Learning vs Grades: The Shocking Truth Schools Won’t Tell You

Have you ever felt like a single bad grade defined your intelligence or worth? You're not alone. In fact, many students fall into the trap of equating grades with success, feeling discouraged if their performance isn’t perfect. But here’s the truth: while grades matter, they’re not the whole story. The debate of learning vs grades is something most schools overlook, leaving students to believe that high marks are the only measure of success.

When I was studying education at the University of Alberta, I experienced firsthand the impact of focusing on the learning process. My first assignment in an assessment course resulted in a shocking 40%! I thought I’d understood the requirements, but my professor’s feedback showed me there was more to learn. Initially, I was devastated and considered dropping the class. But after taking a step back, I realized that this one assignment only accounted for 3% of my final grade. I decided instead to focus on what went wrong, reviewing my notes, studying class exemplars, and making adjustments. That shift in mindset paid off—I ended up with over 90% in the course.

This experience taught me an invaluable lesson: focusing on how I was learning and developing strategies helped me succeed far more than obsessing over the numbers on my report card.

Skills Developed: The True Win

During this experience, I developed two key skills that would serve me well in academics and beyond: time management and problem-solving. I created a structured study schedule, mapping out specific times for reviewing concepts, reaching out to my professor with questions, and preparing for future assignments. This time management helped me stay on top of my workload in all my classes, minimizing stress and giving me confidence in my ability to handle the demands of the course.

I also honed my problem-solving skills. After receiving a low mark on my assignment, I didn’t just give up; I worked to figure out why I’d missed the mark and created a step-by-step study plan for improvement. My focus shifted from achieving a perfect grade to mastering the content, a skill that boosted my performance across all my courses.

Advice for Students Feeling Discouraged

If you’re struggling with a low grade or too focused on outcomes, remember that it’s okay to ask for help. Whether it’s a friend, teacher, or tutor, having someone to support and guide you can be incredibly helpful. When I struggled with assignments, I reached out to classmates for feedback, which motivated me to push harder rather than feeling defeated.

As a tutor myself, I often see students so focused on getting a high grade to meet university requirements that it hurts their confidence. I always remind them that learning is a process. Together, we create a plan, whether it’s reviewing mistakes, practicing ahead, or tackling practice exams, so they feel prepared and confident. This approach not only improves their grades but also helps them enjoy the learning process more.

Tips to Focus on the Process Over the Grade

Developing a growth mindset is key to shifting focus away from grades. In high school, I trained myself to see setbacks as opportunities to improve rather than signs of failure. I remind my students of this as well, encouraging them to view mistakes as stepping stones rather than obstacles.

Here are a few tips that have helped me and my students focus on the learning journey:

Set Learning Goals

Focus on specific areas you want to master rather than aiming for a certain grade.

Seek Support

Ask for help if you’re struggling. Tutors, teachers, and classmates can provide valuable insights.

Embrace the Growth Mindset

See each challenge as a chance to improve, not a sign of failure.

Celebrate Small Wins

Recognize your effort and progress along the way, regardless of the outcome.

Final Thoughts

If there’s one takeaway I hope you remember, it’s this: don’t let a single grade define you, and don’t compare yourself to others. I used to feel that a low grade meant I wasn’t smart enough, but shifting my focus to understanding the material and developing effective study strategies transformed my confidence and, ultimately, my performance. The learning vs grades debate is more important than ever, and recognizing that learning is the true path to success can change your entire academic journey.

In the end, your grades are just a part of the journey. What really matters is the skills you build, the mindset you nurture, and the resilience you gain along the way.