Chapter 3
In this chapter, the focus was on testing and the consequences it has on our students. Test taking is not preparing students to be critical thinkers or problem solvers. Test taking is more about memorizing ideas, events, issues or problems that most of the times the students will forget in a week. During college, one of my best classes was Somatic learning where the teacher gave us exams based on open-ended questions. Until this day, if I was to take that test again I will pass it because I was forced to study and analyze what the question may be asking for. At first, I was nervous to have essay questions as our test but I found myself researching information and asking questions regarding the test. I practically spent more time in the library and at my professors office trying to pick his brain.
I agree with Wagner's views because when teachers are basing their learning on preparing students for the SAT that eliminates the purpose of learning. Students need to learn how to become critical thinkers and problem solvers. In addition, most of the elite universities are not considering the SAT scores because it does not provide evidence that students know that particular subject. On the other hand, most of the electives are shoved out of the way because of these testings. Electives such as art, music, physical education are being treated as if they are not important. These electives provide creativity and critical thinking for students and provides them with life skills that they will need in the real world such as: working in groups, creating ideas, problem solving, etc. School should be about learning not about taking a test where half of that stuff is not relevant to the students life.
In this chapter, the focus was on testing and the consequences it has on our students. Test taking is not preparing students to be critical thinkers or problem solvers. Test taking is more about memorizing ideas, events, issues or problems that most of the times the students will forget in a week. During college, one of my best classes was Somatic learning where the teacher gave us exams based on open-ended questions. Until this day, if I was to take that test again I will pass it because I was forced to study and analyze what the question may be asking for. At first, I was nervous to have essay questions as our test but I found myself researching information and asking questions regarding the test. I practically spent more time in the library and at my professors office trying to pick his brain.
I agree with Wagner's views because when teachers are basing their learning on preparing students for the SAT that eliminates the purpose of learning. Students need to learn how to become critical thinkers and problem solvers. In addition, most of the elite universities are not considering the SAT scores because it does not provide evidence that students know that particular subject. On the other hand, most of the electives are shoved out of the way because of these testings. Electives such as art, music, physical education are being treated as if they are not important. These electives provide creativity and critical thinking for students and provides them with life skills that they will need in the real world such as: working in groups, creating ideas, problem solving, etc. School should be about learning not about taking a test where half of that stuff is not relevant to the students life.