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Pros & Cons of Standardized Tests
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Standardized tests. Only two words, but a world of stress for teachers, students, and parents. The big question is, are standardized tests actually helping or hurting student learning? A hotly debated topic, we look at some of the pros and cons of these tests, and ask your opinion on the issue.
Standardized Testing – PROS
- Gives teachers guidance on student learning and their own teaching practices.
- Gives students a picture of their progress (or lack of) over a number of years in significant areas (math, reading, writing).
- Gives parents information on how their child is performing compared to students locally, provincially, and nationally, as well as how their child’s school as a whole compares to others.
- Gives governments information on the education system in order to improve areas that are lacking.
Standardized Testing – CONS
- Creates major stress for students and teachers.
- Creates competition between students, schools, districts, etc. that takes away focus from the ultimate goal (student success).
- Creates disadvantages for students who do not perform well on tests, or do not have background knowledge necessary to complete questions effectively.
- Creates a limited scope of learning and success, only measuring specific areas like reading, writing, and math, rather than a full picture of children and how they learn, including creativity, collaboration skills, drive, social skills, etc.
What are some other pros and cons of standardized testing?
What’s your opinion: should they stay or go?
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Failing An Exam Can Be A Good Thing
Researchers have discovered that taking pretests (testing knowledge before actually learning course material) can help students better focus and retain information on key content.
Learn Why