Testing methods and systems are continuously changing and now we await the major change of computerized standardized testing. The article states, “the tests should be more connected to the kinds of classroom activities teachers find valuable, rather than requiring so much separate test-prep time.” Maybe this will promote a more hands-on education that I believe is well needed in classrooms of today (I also find this statement contradictory to previous “suggested methods of teaching” that emphasized rote memorization and repetition for success in these standardized tests). But having the opportunity to enable students to learn real world applications of mathematics and other subjects is golden and will be a major benefit to the American education system. In these new computerized standardized tests, there is a plan to implement, other than multiple choice questions, student’s skills in media, technology, speaking, and math to real-world problems. For example, “Students might be asked, for instance, to design a park on a plot of land, using geometry to fit in the playing fields and financial literacy to create a budget.” It is a great concept to gear students up for future and independent and advanced learning.
However, some students just aren’t good test
takers as it is. It is different working off of a computer—the constant typing
and clicking noise is sure to continuously breaking one’s concentration. It’s
just my opinion and there are tons of questions we can bring up along with
positive and negative consequences that come to mind. I am sure that not all
students in America are able to use a computer and become educated in using it.
One needs a lot of experience to manipulate software well. What about bugs and
glitches? How can we compensate if the software fails and old computers break
down? I really hope the switch to computerized testing works out well because
the future of our children is at stake.
Ariel, I am very happy that you have brought up the issue of computerized standardized tests. When I think of this being implemented into all schools in the future I immediately think of the cost and space factor. Is it really probable to think that a school can afford/have enough space for a computer for each student to take a standardized test? Next I am forced to think of the cheating factor: with bigger screens it makes it easier for a student to peak over at someone's computer to scope out some answers. Furthermore, last Spring I completed an internship with the Department of Spanish and Italian here at Montclair State where I worked with Italian II and III classes. These classes use a text book known as Sentieri which includes a online component where students can work in online workbooks and take online tests. A major problem that I have found was that when the computer automatically graded some of the tests it would mark some answers incorrectly when they really were not (due to the fact that there are many ways to say things, the directions of accents, etc). I feel that before computerized standardized tests are incorporated into schooling that all the bugs must be worked out or else they are doing more harm than good.
ReplyDeleteGreat reference, Sara!
ReplyDeleteI remember using Webassign for some of my math classes and the students would have the same problems. They would attempt to put the answer in but the program was so sensitive to capital letters or input style (fractions, decimals..etc.) that students were often deducted full points although the answers were right.
Another great point you bring up is that it is way too easy for the student's to cheat by just peaking over to someone else's screen along with the major issues of cost and space.
Let's just hope for the best.
Ariel, so if you were in charge of the test, would you switch over to computers or leave everything as it currently is?
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you asked that question, Kevin. I recently read an article about education in Finland and instead of changing the methods of taking the standardized tests, I say we should do away with the tests. Finland is rated one of the countries with the best educational systems and great success rates. What I find interesting is that Finland has no private schools and no standardized tests. Here is a quote:
ReplyDelete"Decades ago, when the Finnish school system was badly in need of reform, the goal of the program that Finland instituted, resulting in so much success today, was never excellence. It was equity."
Instead of standardized tests, assessment focused on individualized in-class tests created by the teacher. The main goal for their success were their highly educated teachers--with a requirement to teach being a minimum of a Master's degree and a great drive to educate. Progress was monitored by the Ministry of Education where they tested only a few sample groups in a wide range of schools in their nation.
Education is seen as a way to even out social inequality.
Full Article:
http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2011/12/what-americans-keep-ignoring-about-finlands-school-success/250564/
Ariel, thanks for the thoughtful response.
DeleteAriel,
ReplyDeleteI tend to agree with your idea of making standardized tests online. Just like you, I find myself making mistakes when I take tests online. I would much rather take them via paper and pencil. Also, to your statement above about elminating standardized tests, I agree with you with that as well. Not only does it put a lot of pressure on the students, it puts a lot of pressure on the teachers as well. Recently, school districts have been very strict with teachers teaching to the test as opposed to teaching what they need to know to live in society. Also, a teachers salary is starting to be tied to a students score on a standardized test. The are taking away the freedom of teachers to teach the way they want to teach so they can make the classroom a stress free environment where the students can learn about math peacfully.