As a student, I think that assigning letter grades is not a good way to motivate learning. However, some students may think the percentages or letter grades can show the level of their performance in classes and this may remind them whether they should spend more time to study the subjects. If I were a teacher, I would need to find a way to assess my students' performance and assigning percentages is one of the possible ways to achieve my goal. The percentages are based on the students' performance on homework, tests and group projects. Also, teachers can discuss with students about how a certain percentage of the performance will be graded so that students would feel they are fairly assessed. Although tests or examinations produce certain pressure on students, I think this may be an opportunity for them to experience so that they will not be so frustrated by the pressure when they are working in society.
Since many people view grades as an indicator of whether a student is smart or not, grading would certainly create pressure on both students and their parents as they think bad grades would hinder the students' future. Also, grading would make people focus on the academic performance, neglecting the importance of other skills and qualities like interpersonal skills and morality. In addition, the grading system would create a competition environment in a classroom or a school and I'm not sure whether is is good or bad to students because competition can be a motivator to students but at the same time, it can put pressure on them too.
I think it is possible to teach mathematics/science without giving grades if people do not view the student's future success in society is determined by grades. Teachers can focus on connecting the students' interests with mathematics/science in daily applications to encourage learning among students.
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