I agree with the Finns, Emily, who got rid of standardized testing.
If you understand the mentality of our billionaires, you'll see the true nature of how their testing denatures, dehumanizes, turns life to numbers, units, packages -- turns life into the nihilism by which our billionaires have corrupted most institutions.
Phil, I'm not sure Emily meant "standardized testing." I agree with what you say about them. But tests designed by the teachers are good ways to see if what is being taught is being understood. It also helps the teacher figure out better ways to test students' knowledge. I speak from experience as a teacher (though admittedly on the university level). I preferred using essay questions, but was told by my superior that I had to develop a multiple choice test. Doing so was educational for me, as I saw how easily words and phrases can be misinterpreted. It took 5 years to basically "test the test" to come up with the fairest version, because I took the time to see how my students were answering. If many kept getting the same question wrong by answering in a similar way, I knew it was my problem, not theirs, and I had to take that into consideration and figure out a better way to ask that question. Every teacher has to wrestle with how to figure out whether students are learning or not. So, no, testing is not necessarily a "bad thing." I still prefer reading answers to essay questions, however. It takes more time but truly gives a better concept of how much the student has learned and how well the student can communicate and think through concepts. I realize this may be impractical for lower grades in public school, though in my high school education in NJ, many of our tests had essay questions.
When the Finns kicked out the standardized testers, and put emphasis on hiring only the best teachers, the teachers then solved these problems among them.
How else can students express themselves than with essay questions? What else encourages them to think if not writing essays? What else is education if not the liberal arts?
Phil Balla,
Teaching has suffered thus the education of our children and grandchildren.
We can and must do better. Our teachers need encouragement and support. Their job is challenging everyday.
Testing is not a bad thing. If done more often, it may help educators find ways to improve by using different methods of learning.
Students should work to find answers, not just push a button.
I agree with the Finns, Emily, who got rid of standardized testing.
If you understand the mentality of our billionaires, you'll see the true nature of how their testing denatures, dehumanizes, turns life to numbers, units, packages -- turns life into the nihilism by which our billionaires have corrupted most institutions.
Phil, I'm not sure Emily meant "standardized testing." I agree with what you say about them. But tests designed by the teachers are good ways to see if what is being taught is being understood. It also helps the teacher figure out better ways to test students' knowledge. I speak from experience as a teacher (though admittedly on the university level). I preferred using essay questions, but was told by my superior that I had to develop a multiple choice test. Doing so was educational for me, as I saw how easily words and phrases can be misinterpreted. It took 5 years to basically "test the test" to come up with the fairest version, because I took the time to see how my students were answering. If many kept getting the same question wrong by answering in a similar way, I knew it was my problem, not theirs, and I had to take that into consideration and figure out a better way to ask that question. Every teacher has to wrestle with how to figure out whether students are learning or not. So, no, testing is not necessarily a "bad thing." I still prefer reading answers to essay questions, however. It takes more time but truly gives a better concept of how much the student has learned and how well the student can communicate and think through concepts. I realize this may be impractical for lower grades in public school, though in my high school education in NJ, many of our tests had essay questions.
You bring up many good problems, Carol.
When the Finns kicked out the standardized testers, and put emphasis on hiring only the best teachers, the teachers then solved these problems among them.
And got the best public schools in the world.
Very informative - thanks, Carol!
How else can students express themselves than with essay questions? What else encourages them to think if not writing essays? What else is education if not the liberal arts?