Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Publication Date
6-2020
Abstract
The authors conducted a preliminary research study to understand the emotional and academic impact grades have on engineering undergraduate students. Grades in higher education have become a priority for students to secure internship opportunities, post-graduation employment, and graduate school acceptance. However, students’ desire to attain high grades in engineering disciplines may lead to negative effects such as additional anxiety and increased mental exertion, physical exhaustion, and overall lack of work-life balance. A survey was conducted with a cohort of 45 students to understand their perspective on grades before, during, and at the end of the semester, and their responses to obtaining low grades and exam scores in an engineering class. Preliminary results reveal that 60% of the student population expressed anxiety about their grades before the semester began, 64% check their grades at least twice a week via online sources, 96% expressed concern if their grades are not what they expect by mid-semester, 88% mentioned that they memorize material just to pass an assignment. Moreover, other students expressed frustration, disappointment, and high anxiety when they do not attain the grades they want. These findings are imperative and require significant attention since they may affect student learning, retention of fundamental engineering principles, persistence in engineering programs, and overall student well-being.
Recommended Citation
Marquez, E., & Garcia, S. (2020, June), Finding Balance: Examining the Impact of Grades on Engineering Students' Well-being Paper presented at 2020 ASEE Virtual Annual Conference Content Access, Virtual On line. 10.18260/1-2--34672
Publication Title
2020 ASEE Virtual Annual Conference
DOI
10.18260/1-2--34672
Comments
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