Some students are highly motivated by grades and may overlook the relationship between grades and learning. Sure, there are those students that have an interest in learning something in their classes, although they often have the unfortunate impression that the grade they earn is the true currency of the marketplace, not what they’ve managed to learn. As a result, many students are memorizing information in order to attain high grades rather than learning information in order to master a skill or concept.

What does it mean to be grade oriented?
     Grade oriented students are interested in appearing competent or better than others, regardless of the achieved level. These students often sick to tasks that are familiar or known quantities. Often, grade oriented students regard failures as evidence of a lack of competence and therefore attempt to avoid making mistakes

What does it mean to be learning oriented?
     Learning oriented students are mainly interested in learning and mastering content or a given skill. Learning oriented students intentionally take on difficult tasks beyond their present capability because they consider mistakes and failure as learning opportunities.

Some researchers continue to debate whether these orientations are two separate dimensions or whether they actually exist on a continuum. Nonetheless, it is encouraged that you evaluate what kind of orientation you most often exhibit. This consideration can allow for a deeper understanding of your relationship to your own success and failure, and might also initiate a change in what you chose to focus on.

If you’re interested in learning more about your own orientation, try using this self-assessment to evaluate where you place the most emphasis.

Also, check out our recent blog post about being a lifelong learner.