The Importance Of Assessments And Testing

By Author: Robin Obrien
Total Articles: 9
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Students despise them, and teachers favor them. So what are these objects of hatred and pleasure? They are grade determining forms of evaluation, better known as tests. Why are tests necessary and important? They are not only significant in the classroom but also are used across the nation to test student proficiency. . Without testing, school systems would be unable to regulate their curriculum or monitor the performance of students and teachers.
The main goal of standardized tests is to answer an important question: has your student mastered the grade’s curriculum? A student may be capable of sufficiently completing homework and in-class assignments. However, these leisurely situations allow students the luxury of using notes while asking questions. By taking tests, students can demonstrate that they are independently capable of expressing their understanding of the material. This also gives teachers the opportunity to analyze each student’s understanding and ability to apply learned information. Teachers can then decide whether the class as a whole or individual students need more opportunities to practice the ...
... material to better their understanding.
Teachers also use testing as a way to reflect on their own methodology. If students perform well on tests, teachers should assume they taught the material in a manner that their class was able to understand and independently utilize. If test scores were poor, teachers must assume the opposite. The teacher may need to try a different approach in order to meet the needs of the class.
Regular testing provides students with the motivation to do well in school. It gives them the initiative to complete their homework to the best of their ability. By completing assignments, studying, or even acquiring extra tutoring if necessary, they are more likely to do well on tests. Also, the grades they receive on tests greatly affect their overall grade. These grades are reported not only to their teachers, but to their schools and to parents as well. Tests are evidence of individual performance, and they mark a student’s progress, strengths, and weaknesses. If a child expresses signs of academic distress, a parent may then decide to improve academic performance by seeking an English or math tutor locally. Many facilities, such as in Ohio, New Jersey, and Illinois provide families with math or English tutoring learning centers, complete with a math or English tutor.
The pressure students are placed under to perform well on standardized testing may hinder the outlook of whether or not this type of testing is necessary. However, the scores and results from these tests provide a controlled standard of measurement used to compare students in a class, school, or district. These scores can be evaluated amongst each other or against a broader spectrum, such as state-wide or nationally. Standardized testing also enforces that teachers teach the required material to their classes, and effectively so that students are capable of performing well. These test scores not only report the progress of students, but the quality of a teacher, school, and school district. In order to eliminate the anxiety students obtain from standardized testing, teachers can introduce test-taking skills to improve performance and confidence. By implementing exercises and curriculum that will adequately prepare students for tests, it will aid in eliminating nervousness brought on by the pressure to perform well.
If a student is struggling not only in their test-taking abilities, but also in their over-all academic performance, a math or English learning center may be an appropriate option. Math and English learning centers provide students with the opportunity to learn from a tutor who will provide them with academic enrichment. These learning centers may also supply students with regular assessments, to monitor progress. The math and English tutor can use these assessments, just like in a regular school setting, to determine strengths and weaknesses. The tutor can then use resources at the math and English learning center to develop and strengthen the skills necessary for a student to perform well in school.
MathWizard is a math and English tutoring facility with English & Math Learning Center locations in Ohio, New Jersey, and Illinois. We also have a math and English mail tutoring program which services the continental United States and Canada.