The VALUE of TESTING

This could be a very controversial blog post, I know.  This week, my son will be taking his Fourth Grade Ohio Achievement Assessments.  I teach Advanced Placement Psychology and my students are preparing to take their National Exam on May 6. 

 

One of the hottest topics in education today is testing.  Many educators are frustrated with the amount of and type of high stakes testing.  In some states there is an enormous amount of testing that infringes, rather than enhances, the teaching and learning process.

 

Maybe I am just a simplistic half-glass full type of guy, but I propose that we focus on the value that high stakes tests do offer.  I am not arguing that high stakes tests should be used often and as the only means to demonstrate learning.  However, they do offer some exceptional value to teachers and students.

 

What is good about high stakes tests:

• The preparation process can help to teach students: discipline, GRIT, delayed gratification, perseverance, organization, hard work, dedication, commitment, critical thinking, goal-setting, study skills and strategic planning, time management, and self-efficacy.
• The opportunity for students to demonstrate knowledge gained and ability to transfer and apply understanding to novel situations and experiences.
• The thorough feedback that a written assessment can provide should help the instructor to re-design the course to make for a more efficient and effective learning experience for students
• The appreciation of a sense of pride and personal accomplishment among the students when they meet their performance goal on the assessment

 

What other advantages and values does testing offer?