A modified honours grading system and the selection of postgraduate trainees

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Graduate Medical Training

Background:

• Postgraduate selection relies on medical school data, which is often insufficient.
• Traditional percentage grading is being replaced by honours/pass/fail systems.
• Honours/pass/fail systems lack clear class standing for selection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a modified honours grading system.
• To address the limitations of honours/pass/fail grading in postgraduate selection.

Main Methods:

• A modified honours grading system was developed.
• The system incorporates student grades, course weighting, and honours grade distribution.
• Student rankings were compared to traditional percentage grading.

Main Results:

• The modified system provides clear student performance and class standing.
• Rankings closely resemble those from percentage grading systems.
• Internal consistency of the modified system was maintained.

Conclusions:

• The modified honours grading system effectively supports postgraduate selection.
• It allows medical faculties to report accurate student class standing.
• This aids program directors in selecting qualified medical graduates.