Grade Distribution at the Faculty of Education at Sultan Qaboos University

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether there was a difference between the actual and the expected distribution of grades at the faculty of education in Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) and to find out whether the distribution of grades differ according to the academic department, sex nationality of the staff member, and sex of the students. The aim of the study was also to identify the relationship between students total final exam. Score, and their course work, mid and final exam. The study used grades of 1437 Students in 50 different courses of different levels, delivered by 5 departments of the college of education. The findings indicated that the distribution of grades, both at the departmental and college levels, is higher than expected distribution as well as the normal distribution. This suggests grade inflation as Grades A and B and their sub branches were dominant. Also the results showed that relationship between mid-term exams. And final term and the total grade were negatively significant while the relationship between final and total grade were positively significant. The results were discussed and interpreted in terms of previous studies. Several recommendations were put forward.