Debra Li

debra_lidan@163.com

THE recent decision of Peking University’s School of Life Sciences to reform their evaluation system for undergraduates’ academic performances has been welcome as a first step toward the goal of college education — cultivating a generation of healthy, mature young adults with critical thinking and the courage to explore the unknown.

The school explained on its official WeChat account Jan. 3 that it has replaced a scoring system based on 100 points with a more general grading system of A, B, C, D and F (for failure), which is widely accepted in U.S. universities.

Chinese students have been fed since primary school with the idea that their academic performances as quantified by scores are the top priority throughout their education, as “the difference of one point positions a person ahead of thousands and may guarantee a spot in a prestigious high school,” a preaching recognized by many as true.

When the lucky ones have finally fought their way into a top university, they soon come to the realization that their score-anxiety continues. Their GPA (grade point average) based on scores out of 100 points is still the primary metric for assessing them, pivotal in determining scholarships, assuring admissions for postgraduate programs in domestic universities and in applications for those in foreign universities. The pressure to maintain performance levels lingers on after the grueling college entrance exams, leaving little room for respite or exploration.

The weight of the GPA also incentivizes strategic course selection, oftentimes leading students to favor courses promising good grades over those that kindle their genuine interest and are necessary for professional knowledge building.

When students spend too much time doing exercises to prepare for exams or taking care of the minute details of their lab reports in order to achieve perfect scores, they are left with less time for scientific research, exploration of their extracurricular interest, and social engagement. The time spent to raise one’s exams scores from 90 to 97 is as good as wasted, because 90 is evidence enough that the person has mastered the knowledge taught in a course.

With the era of AI looming ahead, the emphasis of college education should lie in holistic learning, critical thinking, and innovation, steering away from rote memorization.

As adulthood is a blend of responsibility, resilience and interpersonal skills, universities should cultivate emotionally charged, socially conscious individuals, not mere academic achievers.

The current generation of students exhibits high IQs and impressive skills, yet paradoxically, despite their capabilities, there is a prevalent sense of dissatisfaction. Mental maturity, an attribute that necessitates practice and experience, is a luxury often unattainable for students within their packed schedules.

When the university summer break commences, students often have busy schedules — some opt for summer school and exchanges, while others delve into labs or master foreign languages. However, many individuals lead a life devoid of spontaneity, community life and empathy, essential components for holistic wellbeing. Deprived of these fundamental elements, they struggle to find happiness.

Education, at its core, addresses the development of individuals. Without nurturing mature and independent individuals, universities transform into mere assembly lines for knowledge dissemination. The advancement of society hinges on an emotionally mature and socially responsible younger generation brimming with vitality and enthusiasm.

By prioritizing academic achievement, students today risk forfeiting essential elements of personal growth crucial for a fulfilling and balanced life.

Teachers, institutions, and society as a whole must recognize the real purpose of college education, equipping students with the resilience and emotional intelligence required to navigate the complexities of adulthood. And the reform of the grading system can be a first step toward that goal.

(The author is a Features editor of Shenzhen Daily.)