Imagine this: you are asked to redefine the grading system in schools and colleges.
In "The Art of Possibility" by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander, there's a powerful story about how Prof Z, or Benjamin Zander, inspired his students with a shocking act.
The two professors have been teaching students music for the last many years and were frustrated that the measurement system wasn’t doing a justice to student’s learning potential.
Class after class, the students would be in such a chronic state of anxiety over the measurement of their performance that they would be reluctant to take risks with their playing.
So..why not abolish the grading system altogether?
.. predicted that abolishing grades altogether would only make matters worse.. The students would feel cheated of the opportunity for stardom and would still be focused on their place in the lineup.
So what did they do? Well, here is the story (and it’s a fascinating one).
It was the first day of the semester, and Prof Z was teaching a class on performance. He looked at his students and said,
"Welcome to my class! I'm happy to tell you that everyone in this room will receive an A for the course."
The students were surprised and confused, unsure of what to make of this unconventional approach.
But he had a condition! And not a tough one at all.
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