Should grades reflect absolute achievement level or achievemen relative to others in the same class?

Grades should ideally reflect a combination of both absolute achievement and relative performance. Absolute achievement provides a standard measure of knowledge and skills, while relative performance accounts for variations in class difficulty and student capabilities. Balancing both approaches can ensure a fair assessment that recognizes individual effort while contextualizing it within the learning environment. Ultimately, the goal should be to motivate and accurately reflect students' understanding and growth.