luokkirajoja

Luokkirajoja, or "grade boundaries," refer to the specific numerical or categorical thresholds set by educational institutions to determine the passing or grading levels of students in exams or assessments. These boundaries are used to classify performance into distinct categories, such as fail, pass, or varying levels of achievement, such as high distinction, distinction, credit, pass, or fail. The exact criteria for these boundaries can vary depending on the institution, subject, or level of study, including primary, secondary, or tertiary education.

In Finland, luokkirajoja are particularly relevant in the context of national matriculation exams (*ylioppilastutkinto*), which students take after completing upper secondary education. These exams are standardized and used for university admissions. The grading scale ranges from 4 (fail) to 10 (highest possible grade), with specific boundaries determining whether a student passes or earns a particular grade level. For example, a score of 10 is a perfect grade, while a score of 4 indicates failure. Intermediate grades, such as 7, 8, or 9, represent progressively higher levels of achievement.

The establishment of luokkirajoja aims to provide consistency and fairness in evaluating student performance. However, the exact thresholds may be adjusted periodically to reflect changes in difficulty levels or educational standards. Institutions often publish these boundaries in advance to allow students to prepare accordingly. In some cases, additional criteria, such as participation in assessments or meeting specific learning objectives, may also influence final grading outcomes.