A J Speer1, D J Solomon, R M Fincher. 1. Department of Internal Medicine (0566), University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0566, USA. Aspeer@utmb.edu
Abstract
BACKGROUND: There has been a discussion among medical educators concerning grade inflation; however, little has been written about it in the medical education literature. PURPOSE: A survey was developed to determine if grade inflation exists by gathering data about grading practices and by gathering the opinions of course directors from Internal Medicine clerkships. METHODS: The survey was administered during the 1996-1997 academic year to all 125 LCME accredited medical school Internal Medicine Clerkship Directors. Grading practices for 3 separate academic years were obtained plus responses to questions about causes of and solutions for grade inflation. RESULTS: Eighty-three surveys were returned for a 66% response rate. There was a trend towards higher grades across the 3 study years, with the 1995-1996 year being statistically significant. Forty-eight percent of the clerkship directors felt that grade inflation existed in their courses, and 43% felt that some students passed who should have failed. CONCLUSION: Statistically significant grade inflation exists in Internal Medicine clerkships. Most disturbingly, 43% feel we are unable appropriately to identify incompetent students.
BACKGROUND: There has been a discussion among medical educators concerning grade inflation; however, little has been written about it in the medical education literature. PURPOSE: A survey was developed to determine if grade inflation exists by gathering data about grading practices and by gathering the opinions of course directors from Internal Medicine clerkships. METHODS: The survey was administered during the 1996-1997 academic year to all 125 LCME accredited medical school Internal Medicine Clerkship Directors. Grading practices for 3 separate academic years were obtained plus responses to questions about causes of and solutions for grade inflation. RESULTS: Eighty-three surveys were returned for a 66% response rate. There was a trend towards higher grades across the 3 study years, with the 1995-1996 year being statistically significant. Forty-eight percent of the clerkship directors felt that grade inflation existed in their courses, and 43% felt that some students passed who should have failed. CONCLUSION: Statistically significant grade inflation exists in Internal Medicine clerkships. Most disturbingly, 43% feel we are unable appropriately to identify incompetent students.