Socratic Thinking & Standardized Testing
What is a true mark of intelligence? How are we able to correctly rank how smart people
are, or how much they paid attention in school? If we aren’t able to access a person’s brain and
delve inside to their wealth of knowledge, how are we able to judge whether someone is “smart
enough” or not? Will educators and admissions at schools explore the mind of individuals in
conversation and essays, or continue to administer tests in order to place people on a scale?
Yes. Schools and colleges will continue to require students to take standardized tests as a way to admit students into their programs. Students are expected to achieve a certain score or higher in order to be accepted. If the number isn’t reached, they have a lower chance, or not chances at all, to attend the school. Students spend years preparing for these tests hoping that they’ll test well and be labeled “smart enough” through the eyes of the schools all over the world. What about the students who don’t test well? The students who have anxiety? The ones who need more time in order to score better? Are they less smart than the ones who aren’t nervous about taking tests? Are they less smart than the students who finish their tests quickly?
Are countries with long histories of standardized testing smarter than those without the tradition? or are the students simply more conditioned? Should they be labeled as more intelligent because they’re able to generate higher tests scores? Shouldn’t creativity be an important mark of intelligence? Memorizing facts and circling the correct answer in a test booklet doesn’t demonstrate how you would apply it in the world, so is there a test to score someone’s creativity?
Do we continue to use standardized testing in order to “weed out” or eliminate students? Or we will allow it to be a way to stress students out? Will the educational system continue to administer unreliable examinations of intelligence that are unfair to non native english speakers? Will we ignore the statistics proving that standardized testing isn't a true indication of intelligence.
Yes. Schools and colleges will continue to require students to take standardized tests as a way to admit students into their programs. Students are expected to achieve a certain score or higher in order to be accepted. If the number isn’t reached, they have a lower chance, or not chances at all, to attend the school. Students spend years preparing for these tests hoping that they’ll test well and be labeled “smart enough” through the eyes of the schools all over the world. What about the students who don’t test well? The students who have anxiety? The ones who need more time in order to score better? Are they less smart than the ones who aren’t nervous about taking tests? Are they less smart than the students who finish their tests quickly?
Are countries with long histories of standardized testing smarter than those without the tradition? or are the students simply more conditioned? Should they be labeled as more intelligent because they’re able to generate higher tests scores? Shouldn’t creativity be an important mark of intelligence? Memorizing facts and circling the correct answer in a test booklet doesn’t demonstrate how you would apply it in the world, so is there a test to score someone’s creativity?
Do we continue to use standardized testing in order to “weed out” or eliminate students? Or we will allow it to be a way to stress students out? Will the educational system continue to administer unreliable examinations of intelligence that are unfair to non native english speakers? Will we ignore the statistics proving that standardized testing isn't a true indication of intelligence.
I really loved the way you examined this topic. I thought it was partially interesting how you compared the test score to creativity. I also liked the way you questioned the reader about different situations.
ReplyDeleteYou definitely questioned the reader a lot. You made me think about both sides and every aspect of the argument. It's a hard topic. Like you said, we think it is the most accurate way to test the intelligence of teenagers throughout the nation. But then again, you made me question-- is it really? So good! Loved your writing.
ReplyDeleteIntelligence and standardized testing is a topic that all schools should be having conversations about in my opinion. Your questions are essential and provocative. If standardized test aren't used to assess intelligence, what method would you use instead?
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy what you wrote here i agree 100% i feel the same exact way towards the standardized testing issue. Like being a creative person myself, i really feel a connection with what you wrote. It is a very hard topic to talk about since people think its a way to evenly test people but they make these test so difficult that it almost seems unfair--in my opinion. great job though!
ReplyDelete