Thread: Standardized tests are always stressful

For high school students, standardized tests are always stressful. The SAT is often the pinnacle for these stressful moments. The SAT test calls for pupils to provide answers on both memorization and problem-solving. Several test-takers are voicing their concern over the latest SAT test. The essay section of the test asked about reality Television.

SAT tests and all other tests are bunk. They should abolish all tests and assess your performance over the time you are in education based on your effort, persistence, patience and skill, along with reasoning and social abilities.

It's easy to revise for a test and easy to stress over one. It isn't easy holding a good standard over a whole year. That's actually a good idea if I do say so.

There is a very simple test to do which is giving an accurate idea of the verbal ability and problem solving ability of adults and children.
Measure the working memory capacity (WMC). The WMC is directly correlated to a lot of these capabilities. Classicly, people are saying you can keep 7 plus/minus 2 chunks. The problem is to define a "chunk".
Example: I give a list of digit from 0 to 9 to remember. Most people will remember between 5 and 9. But some can remember up to 20 if not 40. It happens these people will store a series of number as one chunk (1,9,6,3 = 1 chunk for me, my year's birthdate)...
So to avoid this, in modern test, one use sentences trick, you will have to remember the last word of each sentence and repeat them after 3, then 4, then 5 etc sentences:
Knut, the Berlin bear is dead
Libya is under bombs
SAT tests and all other tests are bunk

"dead, bombs, bunk" etc....

Using a simple test like this will give the same information than complex tests on the capabilities of children to succeed in school.

I had a not overly impressive high school performance in regards to class rank (30th percentile), although I did get a lot of AP credits as well as IB (and the diploma).
Thanks to standardized tests (for which I didn't bother studying, and only took once) I got a full ride scholarship to a university.

After an unimpressive first year I have started applying myself and am now one of the best performing students in my science classes. In physics 3342 I got a 114 (class average 77.4) and a 120 (class average 72.9) on the two exams thus far.
I would say that the standardized tests have done a much better job predicting my current academic performance than my high school class rank did. It would, however, have better predicted my performance last year.

I think that both can provide much value to the university admittance offices when considering applicants.

I don't like the idea of the working memory test either-my memory is piss poor when it comes to some types of things, but excellent for others. I think I could easily grossly under-perform on such a test.

With some form of standardized testing either the SAT or something else, it would be all the more difficult for colleges to determine knowledge of the prospective student and perhaps more importantly the GPA and chance of completing the first year; SAT scores, in combination with high school GPA, are highly predictive.

Originally Posted by Tyler05

For high school students, standardized tests are always stressful.

This is not true for all students on every occassion, so your argument falls at the first hurdle.

Originally Posted by Tyler05

The SAT test calls for pupils to provide answers on both memorization and problem-solving.

Excellent. These are important skills in practically every walk of life.

Originally Posted by Tyler05

For Several test-takers are voicing their concern over the latest SAT test. The essay section of the test asked about reality Television.

And do you think there is a valid objection to this item? If so, what is it and why do you think the objection is valid?

I believe there is too great an emphasis placed on standardized testing, as some intelligent kids struggle with testing and are unable to demonstrate their intelligence. However, I don't believe that standardized tests are completely worthless. They show a college your testing and reasoning skills, which is important. With that being said, though, academics at school should be at the top of considerations.

SAT is not memorization; maybe SAT II's, but there is essentially no memorizing for the SAT. The test basically tests logical reasoning and reading comprehension. As for the reality tv essay question, the SAT will sometimes throw a curveball essay question where test takers don't use historical events or books as examples. It's not often, but definitely not unheard of.