Standardized Tests In Schools

There is a debate raging between teachers and administers over the use of standardized tests. These tests are being used to evaluate both the students ', as well as, the teachers ' performances. The teacher 's primary complaint is that it forces them to "teach the test". The teachers claim that this does not provide the student with an adequate understanding of the course material. It only ensures that they are able to pass the test. But if the test is not representative of what the student should be learning then it is not a test. The obvious solution is to get a better test. These standardized tests are obviously not representative of the student 's understanding of the course material or the learning objectives.
Again, the obvious answer …show more content…
Students are evaluated based on these tests but eventually so is the university. Students will be evaluated both at the university and also when applying for a job. If the student received poor grades then they may not pass the class or may not be considered for a job. If the student received good grades but did not develop any of the insight or skills associated with a particular topic then that may be even worse. That student may get hired by a company based on their grades but then appear ill prepared for the job once they begin work. This will reflect poorly on both the newly hired employee, as well as,on the university itself. So, should professors provide just information and knowledge or should the professor also ensure the students gain both insight into the subject matter, and proficient skills in the field? The answer is easy but it contradicts the instincts of the previously mentioned teachers. Professors should "teach the test". The main problem arises when you attempt to define what the actual test is. University professors are different from teachers at the lower levels of education in that grade school and high school teachers are responsible for preparing a student for college or at the least a menial labor type job . But it is the job of a university professor to prepare a student for an advanced placement position at much …show more content…
Obviously, the most important topics should be covered with an emphasis on total understanding through homework, quizzes and exams. If there is insufficient class time to cover a topic that is deemed important then that topic should be covered through homework and verified through quizzes. The secondary topics should be mentioned for informational purposes with a few questions dedicated to these topics; but, these secondary topics should not have a large effect on the student 's final grade. The final grade should be indicative of the student 's understanding of an entire course with each topic weighted according to its importance and relevance. Does this mean the professor is stuck having to "teach the test"? If the important topics in the course are not really the important topics in the industry then again, get a better test.

The ideal course set-up for a science or engineering class is a lecture period and a lab period. The lecture period should provide the knowledge and some insight on that knowledge. The students should strive to acquire and understand that knowledge and insight. The lab period should provide a practical application of that knowledge and insight and allow students to begin to develop the technical skills required in their field. Students should strive to gain the practical skills and build proficiency in those skills while furthering their own understanding and developing their own