Perceived Advantages and Disadvantages of the Zero-Based Grading System of Third-Year Computer Engineering Students

This research aimed to identify the perceived advantages and disadvantages of the Zero-Based Grading System based on the perceptions of third-year Computer Engineering students at Bulacan State University. It was also intended to identify the level of awareness of the students regarding the grading system and its effects on the learning process in terms of their academic performance and motivation. The study was based on the significance of the effects of the implementation of the grading system on the students. A descriptive quantitative research design was used for the study. A survey questionnaire was used in gathering data from 30 third-year Computer Engineering students at Bulacan State University using Google Forms.
A five-point Likert scale was used for the survey questionnaire. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results revealed that the respondents have a high level of awareness about the Zero-Based Grading System. The impact of the Zero-Based Grading System on the students' learning process, especially in terms of academic performance and students' motivation, was found to be moderately significant. In terms of the advantages and disadvantages of the Zero-Based Grading System, the respondents were able to agree that the system can help in promoting accountability and time management in academic performance. The disadvantages were given the highest rating by the respondents, indicating that students face a lot of academic stress and burden, especially those who have different learning abilities. The study revealed that the Zero-Based Grading System has a high level of significance in the academic life of the respondents. The disadvantages were given a higher rating than the advantages. The study concluded that although the Zero-Based Grading System is advantageous in promoting transparency and objectivity in academic performance, its implementation should be enhanced in a way that lessens its negative effects on students' motivation.

Zero-Based Grading System, academic performance, student motivation, perceived advantages, perceived disadvantages.

1. Alex, P. (2024, November 19). Time to pull the plug on traditional grading? Education Next. https://www.educationnext.org/time-to-pull-plug-on-traditional-grading-supporters-say-mastery-based-grading-could-promote-equity/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Alba, J. (2025, September 28). Bulacan State University adopts zero-based policy for students. Medium. https://medium.com/@jenilealba/bulacan-state-university-adopts-zero-based-policy-for-students-0cdedbebca24 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Bouchrika, I. (2026). What is mastery learning model? Definition, principles, and examples for 2026. Research.com. https://research.com/education/what-is-mastery-learning#1 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Bridges Transition Model | Research Starters | EBSCO Research. (2021). EBSCO. https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/business-and-management/bridges-transition-model [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. eduTinker. (2023, December 18). Zero-based grading system - eduTinker. eduTinker. https://edutinker.com/glossary/zero-based-grading-system/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Green, C. A., West, C., & Delahunty, J. (2022). [Book Review] Ungrading: Why Rating Students Undermines Learning (and What to do Instead), edited by Susan D. Blum. Teaching & Learning Inquiry the ISSOTL Journal, 10. https://doi.org/10.20343/teachlearninqu.10.22 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Minero, E. (2018, July 3). Do No-Zero policies help or hurt students? Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/do-no-zero-policies-help-or-hurt-students/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Singh, S. (2024, December 17). What is Descriptive Research? Definition, Methods, Types and Examples | Researcher.Life. https://researcher.life/blog/article/what-is-descriptive-research-definition-methods-types-and-examples/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. Sreekumar, D., & Sreekumar, D. (2025, February 13). What is Quantitative Research? Definition, Methods, Types, and Examples. Researcher.Life. https://researcher.life/blog/article/what-is-quantitative-research-types-and-examples/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. The Bullhorn. (2024, December 9). The cost of settling for less: Perils under a zero-based grading system [Editorial]. Medium. https://medium.com/@bullhornxpress/editorial-the-cost-of-settling-for-less-perils-under-a-zero-based-grading-system-f649d38b9894 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Townsley, M. (2019). Considering standards-based grading. Journal of School Administration Research and Development, 4(1), 35-38. https://doi.org/10.32674/jsard.v4i1.1941 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

12. Guskey, T. R. (2015). A century of grading research: Meaning and value in the most common educational measure. https://tguskey.com/wp-content/uploads/RER-16-Research-on-Grading.pdf [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

13. Kjærgaard, A., Buhl-Wiggers, J., & Mikkelsen, E. N. (2023). Does gradeless learning affect students’ academic performance? A study of effects over time. Studies in Higher Education, 49(2), 336-350. https://doi.org/10.1080/03075079.2023.2233007 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

14. Schinske, J., & Tanner, K. (2014). Teaching more by grading less (or differently). CBE-Life Sciences Education, 13(2), 159-166. https://doi.org/10.1187/cbe.14-03-0054 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

• Assessment of the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Repositioning TVET for Economic Development in Nigeria
• Teachers’ Use of Assure Model Instructional Design on Learners’ Problem Solving Efficacy in Secondary Schools in Bungoma County, Kenya
• “E-Booksan Ang Kaalaman”: Development, Validation, and Utilization of Electronic Book in Academic Performance of Grade 9 Students in Social Studies
• Analyzing EFL University Students’ Academic Speaking Skills Through Self-Recorded Video Presentation
• Major Findings of The Study on Total Quality Management in Teachers’ Education Institutions (TEIs) In Assam – An Evaluative Study