Who Thinks Exams System Is Flawed?

there are loads of un-true stories about this type of crap. Like the 'is this a question?' exam, where if you write 'is this an awnser?' you get 100%. the only exams ive heard that are a bit like this is if you apply for a masters/docterate at Oxford where you have to write essays on questions like 'define honour'

Reply 22

It's difficult to get a balance really. Yes, A-levels rely a lot on memory, which gives an unfair advantage to those not as good at the subject but good at cramming whilst disadvntaging those better at the subject but with a poor memory. However, unlike at GCSE, having a good memory, and therefore cramming, is no longer enough because you have to be able to apply the knowledge to the question as well, thus favouring those with a better understanding. The only real alternative to exams is coursework, which is also very controversial because it's easy to cheat and different centres have different policies on the amount of help and redrafting allowed. Personally I'd favour a modular system like A-levels, but with smaller tests all through the year and without enless resits, so people who are lazy and rely on cramming would suffer.

Reply 23

Na, i disagree that A levels are even remotely hard. Especially if your well taught. The cirriculum has become so resticted that all you have to do is tick the right boxes and your sorted.

Reply 24

becky.fm

18

kellywood_5

The only real alternative to exams is coursework, which is also very controversial because it's easy to cheat and different centres have different policies on the amount of help and redrafting allowed.

I have never cheated on my coursework or got my parents to do any of it for me. But the other day when i was my mentor meeting with my form tutor, i was shocked to this girl's english book. It had about 5 pages of her writing and then about 4 pages of her mum's writing! And this was a c/w draft!! I was like OMG! :eek:

She wasnt even bothered about it either and the teacher hadnt commented on it!

Reply 25

Bexy*at*your*service

I have never cheated on my coursework or got my parents to do any of it for me. But the other day when i was my mentor meeting with my form tutor, i was shocked to this girl's english book. It had about 5 pages of her writing and then about 4 pages of her mum's writing! And this was a c/w draft!! I was like OMG! :eek:

She wasnt even bothered about it either and the teacher hadnt commented on it!

Exactly, so some people do far better on their coursework than they actually deserve and honest people like us who don't cheat or people at really strict schools end up disadvantaged. That's why although continuous assessment is good, I'd definitely do it in the form of regular tests throughout the year rather than coursework.

Reply 26

Bull****, continuous assessment is crap. My teachers all thought i was amazing becasue i answered questions in class and did some storming homework essays. Other people did too, and so on paper we would look the same, the difference is i got the highest history score in the college and they never, so we are not the same.

Reply 27

Consie

Bull****, continuous assessment is crap. My teachers all thought i was amazing becasue i answered questions in class and did some storming homework essays. Other people did too, and so on paper we would look the same, the difference is i got the highest history score in the college and they never, so we are not the same.

Did you actually read my post at all? I said I'd use continuous assessment in the form of exams that were set regularly throughout the course, not class participation and homework. That way, the people who work hard all the time would be rewarded as long as they actually knew their stuff as well and it wouldn't rely so much on memory, but the differentiator would still be exams.

Reply 28

no1mohsin

13

It's flawed: but what else would one propose?

Reply 29

john171

11

Put it this way mate, if you've any intelligence at all, you will learn to play the system, that's what it's all about :smile:

Reply 30

damn straight home boy!

Reply 31

EconomyMan

OP

but the main point is...in employment your nt gna revise every night are you?...therefore ppl who are average but work really hard get on my nerves as they end up in gd jobs.

i think its better if the person is slightly lazy but has better knowledge of a certain field.

Reply 32

jonjoe

2

Isnt it luck of the questions?

Reply 33

becky.fm

18

EconomyMan

but the main point is...in employment your nt gna revise every night are you?...therefore ppl who are average but work really hard get on my nerves as they end up in gd jobs.

i think its better if the person is slightly lazy but has better knowledge of a certain field.

I disagree. Hard working people normally enjoy thier job more, and get more job satisfaction. This is shown in any workplace or schools that you go to. Also, it shows commitment and the ability to stride through any difficulties you are faced with. If they get good jobs, and are of average intelligence, they deserve the best jobs in the world. Bright people who are lazy are stupid because they do not take advantage of their ability. People do not deserve great jobs if they dont work for it. I think you wanted to start an arguement, it hasnt worked :rolleyes:

Reply 34