What are the point of tests?

[fli]

I just passed CBEST and so now I aer the accredited to b teh teacher.

just joking--

Anyways, no I did actually pass it.

I had to retake the math section because I suck at math. So I bought a book that taught me stragedies, and after that I passed with the minimum passing grade.

Now, what is the point of tests?
I mean, tests only test on how well you can take tests. I've bullshited myself through several tests without ever studying and look how far I've gone.

I personally believe that debating and doing real life projects are the only ways to find out what people truly know.

but then again, that's wishful thinking.
People interested on what you know.

[RedSkunk]

At 3/18/06 02:34 AM, fli wrote: I mean, tests only test on how well you can take tests.

Basically. I have great test-taking skills. Unfortunately that's not a useful skill for many jobs.

The problem is, is that there is no great, holistic way of assessing a person's qualifications. There are failings to any sort of assessment. Tests are just.. Easy to use and judge. Unless we start talking about essays and short answer "tests." Then.. *shrug*

[fahrenheit]

Test - Testing knowledge skills
Like if I asked you what a hook for a introductory paragraph is you would be able to answer it.

But some tests are pointless and have to much wieght like the WASL.
You should make a test that covers what you study, not a study routine that covers what your going to test on.

[fli]

Not true. I could mark randomly out of a test, and still get some right.
I got those right not because I knew the answer... but I'm smart enough to not leave a blank answer.

[x-Toadenalin-x]

But since everyone knows test-taking technique, everyone should get roughly the same amount of guesses right. That means that it will still come down to your knowledge.

Although I agree - tests like the one you describe are inherantly flawed.

[dcms-reaper]

alright, im a senior and well it suks i have a hist. test tomorrow about ancient rome. i dont really see why the heck we have to know this stuff, are we going to be going to the store and start talking about Nero? NO we will be talking about the game last night and see what the other person wants to talk about! (SORRY!!! i had to get this out of my head!)

[BFG-Nine-Thousand]

I remember in Sixth Grade, we spent most of the year training to take some major test (Its name eludes me- It was a stupid acronym.). We literally didn't learn anything except how to take the test properly. Hell, instead of teaching us what we needed to know, they taught us how to bullshit our way past that.

IMHO, People learn the most when they enjoy what they're studying. All the more reason to let children have some control over their cirriculum; energy should be spent in making the classes more enjoyable, and less like a car factory.

[MJOLNIRchief90]

At 3/21/06 09:20 PM, BFG_Nine-Thousand wrote: energy should be spent in making the classes more enjoyable, and less like a car factory.

That is an interesting analogy you picked there.

The reason for tests is simple. They are to make sure you know what you are being taught.

[MortifiedPenguins]

It entirely mattters.

I'm against these types of Tests.

In Massachusetts, we have the MCAS(Massachusetts Comprehensive Assament Test)

Basically, you fail this, you don't graduate.

Now that alone is bad. But we've been taking this test for ever year since 3th Grade.

Grade 3 - Reading

Grade 4 - English Language Arts and Mathematics

Grade 5 - Science and Technology/Engineering

Grade 6 - Mathematics

Grade 7 - ELA

Grade 8 - Mathematics and Science and Technology/Engineering

Grade 10 - ELA and Mathematics.

The last 2 Months we have had English and Math Drummed into our head. But if you get Advanced in Math and Englis on the MCAS in 10th you get free Tuiton to any Massachusetts State College. And Massachusett State Colleges are really good for State Schools.

MCAS was designed if teachers where teaching us the right stuff.

Now Teachers just teach us Whats going to be on the MCAS.

[IllustriousPotentate]

At 3/18/06 03:26 AM, fli wrote: Not true. I could mark randomly out of a test, and still get some right.
I got those right not because I knew the answer... but I'm smart enough to not leave a blank answer.

True, but I speak from experience that it's just as easy to get a reasonable score on an essay by BSing, when you really don't know the answer that well.

I think tests are important, you have to have some criteria to judge educational progress. However, individual instructors should have some input, too. They're the ones that work with the students, so they know more about that student than what can just be garnered off of a test.

This will help teachers also focus less on "teaching to the test" and more on a broader, more diverse subject matter. Moreover, the school day should be extended by an hour. 2 -15 minute socializing periods, and 30 additional minutes of instructional time.

[MortifiedPenguins]

At 3/21/06 10:07 PM, SevenSeize wrote:

At 3/21/06 09:54 PM, Fenrus1989 wrote:

We have that here too, but it's called LEAP. We had CAT for awhile, but not anymore. Pretty much identical to what you said above. For the last month, all we have taught our fourth graders is math, all day long. They're literally sick of it. I am too. To be honest, I dislike math, but I don't let the students see. I put on my happy face while we drill that crap all day long.

Somewhat like mine yes. But my State is more concerned with 10th graders. You do good, you funding stays the same.

You do bad, your funding is increased but a Overseer goes over on what you spend the funding on.

Hell, I'm taking my 10th Grade MCAS next week. This will be the first MCAS that I actually try in. I saw no point to work hard on something that holds no meaning to my future.

For example, Next week I have the Enlish Portion for 3 day. So for 4 hours a day on all three days, we will write and do our Papers which say if We pass Highschool or not.

[No-one-inparticular]

The point of tests? Besides giving Armstrong Williams a raging hard-on, I have no idea

[Markface]

Guess its got its pro's and cons.
I know its possible to be really good at maths even though you failed it, and having that stick with you is very unfair.

But for all the smart cookies out there, it helps them be distinguished from the fucking dumbasses. Or even the dumbasses who got lucky :)

[PhysicsMafia]

At 3/18/06 03:26 AM, fli wrote: Not true. I could mark randomly out of a test, and still get some right.
I got those right not because I knew the answer... but I'm smart enough to not leave a blank answer.

Thats why multiple choice tests are rediculous, how hard is it when the answer is right ther infront of you!?!

iv never had a multiple choice exam in my life, our exams consist of questions alone and if u dont know the answer then its tough luck so u cant just pick one and maby be right

[Imperator]

Not much, the good thing is most colleges are moving away from tests. They're putting much more emphasis on grades rather than SAT or ACT scores, because as one of my professors have said, "The SAT is good for one thing.......measuring how well you took the SAT".

Anyone have a class that's entire work basis is papers? No midterms, finals, or exams. Just papers? They're fun!!!