There are many tests out now to so-called test the ability
of a person. I do not think they are very accurate, if only a certain way of testing
is given to that person. One should have every test done fully to claim what a person
is capable of being able to do in life. Every test, from skills, personality,
basic math, reading, writing, science, history, IQ, aptitude tests, etc. should
be tested each time. All children are different and have the ability to excel
in many different ways. We should want to find out those special skills so that
we –as teachers or parents can nourish their gifts. Every child learns differently
in class, which makes it hard to see their potential at times through basic
tests in class. In my opinion, this can explain why some children fail in
class. I do not think children are incapable to grasp the lessons; it may be
the way they comprehend it not allowing them to flourish successfully. By assessing
a child in every way, it will give that child a better leg up in the end,
because the teachers will be able to know how to teach the child in the best
way possible. It will show the child that we –are concerned about them and that
they are not just another number. The results should be in a file for that
child and every teacher should read it and attempt their best to give that
child the best education –in their way of comprehending it.
One that I feel is necessary is the measuring of their mind,
which can be long but will provide lots of information about the child. The aptitude
test measures “the potential to master a certain skill or to learn a certain
body of knowledge. A child is measured with IQ (Intelligence Quotient) test. It
actually takes the mental age and divided by the chronological age and the
results were divided by 100… but we must keep in mind that this can change
depending on the child’s parents, culture or the school they attend since taking
the test” (Berger, 2012, 334). This test should be viewed as a blueprint to
help a child become the best that they can be in society – as they mature in
life.
One test that all Chinese students must take and, in their
society’s eyes, will determine whether they continue furthering their education
or not. Schrock states, the “Gao kao” test is the critical
fork in the road for every Chinese student. It determines whether they will go on
to a high-ranking university and earn paper currency, or have come to the end
of their formal education and will make “coins” and live an austere life.
Questions from readers range from “how is it different from the SAT or ACT?” to
“don’t they change questions each year to prevent memorization?” (Schrock, 2013,
para.1). This one stood out to me because it determines their entire future. The
importance of this test is serious there because the “children are videotaped
as they take it and hire teachers to score the tests –while they are locked away
in a room” (Schrock, 2013, para.10-12). China has always excelled in Math and
Science because they do not allow any calculators to be used when they learn, unlike
the United States. We hinder our children with technology a lot. We allow them
to stay lazy, concerning their education and exercise. I am not stating this is
standard for everyone but it is true for most.
I strongly believe that a child should
have multiple tests to measure all aspects that make up a human. Some children
may not be as strong intellectually as others are but excel in other areas. Some
examples of those areas, such as creativity (art), musical, physical (sports) and
leadership skills. There are many others that can be added to this list. By no
means, I am saying education is ruled out. Education is always necessary!
References
Berger, K. S.
(2012). The developing person through childhood (6th ed.). New York, NY:
Worth Publishers.
