graded on a curve
Adjusted by comparison
Graded on a curve describes an evaluation method where scores are adjusted relative to how others performed, rather than against a fixed standard.
If everyone struggles on an exam, the curve raises grades so the best performers still receive top marks.
The phrase extends to any situation where judgment is relative: For a first attempt, we're grading you on a curve.
- percentile rankingStanding relative to others
- standard deviationSpread around the mean
- equity in educationEqual opportunity in learning
- medianCentral sorted value
- meanAverage, or spiteful
outliers · z-score · teacher expectations · peer comparison · mode · class rank · test scores · extra credit · variance · normal distribution · skewness · classroom dynamics · student motivation · learning outcomes · GPA · honor roll · academic pressure · formative assessment