Are our students not worth more than just a National standardised test?
To whom it may concern,
A couple weeks ago, an article came out about how the NAPLAN exam will be changed to online and the questions will be adjusted according to the amount of correct answers a student gives. These questions will still have only one answer. My question is how many questions in life, about life and the human response have only ONE answer?
Every year schools prepare their students for one or many exams that apparently measure student capabilities and the skill level of the students who attend.
The exams are in a book and require reading and writing. They test limited abilities and it is these skills and abilities that do not equate to success in life.
When I think of the workforce and life, I can’t help but think people that are succeeding are collaborating, brainstorming, discussing, moving, innovating, creating, sharing, exploring and improving.
The best way that these skills are measured is by the consumers. How do we know how successful certain companies are?
I can’t help but ponder on the following questions...
How can we help students to realise their full potential?
How else can we measure student achievement?
How else can we judge the quality of education in a student, school, system or even country?
So I write this letter to whomever can listen, realise and make a difference to the way schools show what students are capable of. Please talk to teachers who are recognising this quick changing world and see how else can we show what students abilities really are. This could lead to greater student achievement, increased skill levels, lower students suffering anxiety or low self esteem and help students to realise what they are truly capable and how they can make a positive impact on this world.
Regards
Magdalene Mattson
New NAPLAN Test Article
