RNZ: Dr James Kierstead discusses concerning rise in university grade inflation trends
Dr James Kierstead
2 September, 2025
Dr James Kierstead talked to Emile Donovan on RNZ about his research showing grade inflation at New Zealand universities, with A grades rising from 22% to 35% between 2006 and 2024. Dr Kierstead explained that this trend isn't driven by improved student performance but rather by institutional incentives that pressure academics to award higher grades to attract more students and receive better evaluations. Listen below.