Why does someone think of themselves as a "B" student rather than an "A" student? Does a grade, given in an imperfect and often biased world constitute a true test of worth?
I don't think so.
When I was in school (just after the creation) -- grades were only important to sort out effort, not inherent value. It was widely believed in my "set" that anyone could get "great grades" with the right kinds of techniques, effort, and focus. Coming to class, taking notes well, looking at one's notes, doing assignments: those were the keys to a successful grade (and learning). Nowadays we want to be on "automatic" --- learning without any effort on our part. The old joke about "sleeping with your textbook under your pillow" has now been tried and used as a typical "study technique." And that is why we are entering the "age of idiocracy." Long may it wave -- welcome, Mr. Trump.
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