1. Range and Scale:
* Europe (mostly): Often uses a scale of letter grades (A-F, sometimes with + or - modifiers) or a numerical scale (1-10 or 1-20, with 10 or 20 being the highest), sometimes alongside a descriptive assessment. The specific meaning of a grade can vary. A "pass" might start at C or 6/10. High marks (A/10-12/20) are generally uncommon in many European countries.
* North America: Primarily uses a letter grading system (A-F, sometimes with + or -) where A is the highest grade. The numerical equivalent varies by institution (A = 4.0, B = 3.0, etc.). A higher percentage of students receive A's compared to many European systems.
* Other parts of the world: Some countries use a percentage system (0-100%), while others might have variations involving pass/fail, or descriptive feedback without a letter or numerical grade. Many Asian systems are heavily focused on standardized tests and ranking.
2. Emphasis on Relative vs. Absolute Grading:
* Europe (often): A greater emphasis on relative grading (grading students in relation to each other) is seen in some countries. This means the distribution of grades is often curved, aiming for a normal distribution. A smaller percentage of students get top grades.
* North America (often): While there's a degree of relative grading in some contexts (e.g., curving exams), there's a greater focus on absolute grading (grading students based on pre-defined criteria, regardless of how others perform).
3. Weighting and Assessment Methods:
* Europe: Assessment methods vary, but often include a final exam that carries a significant weight (sometimes 50% or more). Continuous assessment (assignments, projects, participation) might play a smaller role.
* North America: Usually a combination of continuous assessments, mid-term exams, and final exams, where the weighting varies among courses.
4. Grading Culture and Interpretation:
* The perception and interpretation of grades also vary culturally. What might be considered a good grade in one system might be average in another. The societal expectations and pressures surrounding academic performance also differ significantly across cultures.
In summary:
The key differences boil down to the grading scale, the relative vs. absolute nature of grading, the weighting of assessment components, and the overall cultural context surrounding grades. There's no single "other system" as grading practices are diverse globally. It's crucial to understand the specific system used by a particular institution or country to accurately interpret student performance.