Tests in Schools

[mxrider155]

This may seem a tad random, but do you think tests in schools, both standardized- and classroom-tests, accurately show whether or not a student is competent in a subject? If so, then why do you think they work? If not, then why not, and what would be a better way?

I know that I disagree with tests at school, especailly standardized tests, because then the teachers teach to the test. For example, last year, my school took away one of our few elective choices (i was in 9th grade) and instead gave us a general science course, in addition to biology, just so we could learn one section that was on our state test. Also, I think that some kids are just good at taking tests, even if they don't fully understand the material, while others aren't, causing their scores to be lower. However, I can understand tests like the SAT's and ACT's because they are a standard across the country, and don't differ from state to state.

What do you think?

[Amnesiac]

They don't. Schools shouldn't be basing a month or year's worth of knowledge on one test. There are too many factors that can alter the outcome, it's not accurate. Also, when it comes to writing, tests fail to measure creativity in any way whatsoever.

[Jess]

yes it does. it shows whether you have learned anything or not. just my opinion >_<

[huginnmuninn]

yes it does. it shows whether you have learned anything or not. just my opinion >_<

but if you have a really bad day and you have a test that day you probably arent gonna do well on a test

[Amnesiac]

but if you have a really bad day and you have a test that day you probably arent gonna do well on a test

Exactly. Too many factors. It's dangerous and unnecessary to base a student's academic future solely on a single test.

Academic progress should be measured in a series of small tests or quizzes over time, rather than one big, ugly test at once. Also, for writing tests, which I particularly hate, there shouldn't be prompts. Students should be able to come up with a subject that they feel the most passionately about, so their writing improves.

[Syvelocin]

I've always thought projects judge the student's knowledge of the material better than tests do. Tests only prove that either the student has MEMORIZED the material, or is good at guessing. I was always someone who could do excellent on tests, though slack off on the rest of the class. I guess it was just reasoning. You have four answers, more than likely there's two of them that are BS answers, and sometimes the third is a BS answer as well.

[Perseus]

Yes and no. Standardize tests are bullshit because they don't prove anything. Actual tests show whether or not you can have actually retained anything, even though you end forgetting most of it.

[Jess]

Exactly. Too many factors. It's dangerous and unnecessary to base a student's academic future solely on a single test.

Academic progress should be measured in a series of small tests or quizzes over time, rather than one big, ugly test at once. Also, for writing tests, which I particularly hate, there shouldn't be prompts. Students should be able to come up with a subject that they feel the most passionately about, so their writing improves.

oh right. do you mean by one big ugly test as in finals or mid term exams?

[Amnesiac]

oh right. do you mean by one big ugly test as in finals or mid term exams?

Both, I guess.

[closed]

I think they do, just not 100% accurate

[drac]

Really, I don't. How can they show anybodies academic ability? Coursework or Projects, I think, show a students work ethic and ability. Tests are memorized facts and dates - how can you tell a students ability by copying out of a book?

[Clawhammer]

It shows whether the person cares about their education enough to try.

[Mr. Awesome]

Unfortunatly there is no better fairer way measuring somones academic ability, if you take continious assesstment you may get a teacher that has a problem with a student and unfairly grades them, as for tests there are to many problems for them, sickness on the day, sunlight on the desk, problems at home girlfriend, panic attacks

[SoWhatsUp]

Yeah, sometimes I wonder how a test can determine if you are smart or not, or if you learned anything. Because you could have a really smart kid do really badly on tests, maybe because he had a bad day or something.
Of maybe I am biased because I hate tests.
Maybe...

[CairAndros]

Looking at it from a Scottish Education perspective I'd say that the tests are necessary. Im not totally sure how the American Education System works - in terms of levels - but in Scotland we have several different difficulty, if you will, levels on offer for courses. The tests that we take throughout the year allow the teachers to see whether we are placed in too high a class and need to be brought down to a lower, easier level. It is also part of the actual qualification process for the final exam. The reason for this is that the courses are made up of units - usually 3 - that we must sit a test on and pass in order to gain the unit. You can then only sit the exam when you have completed all 3 Units. These tests can vary from multiple choice to full mini final exams. Therefore we definitely need to learn our stuff; memorizing does help but understanding does as well.

As Drac said about courseworks or projects, I agree. We get one in Computing; but thats the only subject that I know of that does them until you reach Advanced Higher Level - which is equivalent to the first year of University. At this level you are expected to do a project or dissertation in most subjects and then it really shows how good you are - although there are certain limiting factors. For example, in computing, we were given a list of 4 criteria and told 'your project must contain at least two of these to pass'. So I can have a really basic program, with two of the criteria, and pass that small part and pick up the rest of the marks with the paperwork or do a really complicated program and paperwork - so it isnt a perfect system; but then again what ever is?

Tests are needed, I think, to gauge performance and see whether a student is coping with the level they are studying at.

[Aves]

I think school in general isn't accurate with grading. You do learn things in school. But I think homework, tests, etc. are not accurate of how much you have learned/retained.

[CairAndros]

Why is that??