A tool designed to adjust student scores based on the overall class performance transforms raw scores into relative standings within a group. For instance, if the average score on an exam is 70%, but the desired average is 80%, the tool systematically increases each student’s mark to achieve the target distribution. This process often involves scaling scores based on standard deviations from the mean, creating a more normalized distribution of grades.
Normalizing assessment results allows for fairer comparisons across different sections of the same course or even between different courses entirely, particularly when class sizes or difficulty levels vary. This approach can mitigate the impact of factors outside student control, such as a particularly challenging exam, and provide a more accurate reflection of individual performance relative to peers. Historically, the practice of adjusting scores emerged as a method to address inconsistencies in grading practices and standardize academic evaluation.
