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Monthly Archives: August 2013
The time of tests
The ancient Chinese refined the process of choosing officials based on testing. Prospective government employees would spend days ensconced in little tents taking the massive exam. If they scored high they could expect a cushy job as part of the … Continue reading
Posted in Education trends, Standardized testing
Tagged China, Purpose of testing, Standardized test
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Multiple Choice Mess
Having worked both in education as a teacher, and in industry as a developer of certifications, I understand the prevalence of multiple-choice tests. They are easy to administer and grade without the specter of subjectivity. But it is not simple … Continue reading
What exactly are we testing?
The two big criteria for judging tests are reliability and validity. Reliability refers to the consistency of the test results each time it is given. For example, psychometric tests attempt to gain a picture of a person’s more permanent personality … Continue reading
The schizophrenic approach to testing
One of the major difficulties using standardized testing in school is our “schizophrenic” approach to the subject. Is the purpose of testing to ensure that the students is ready to go to the next level? Is it to see if … Continue reading
Testing the teachers
One of the major challenges in education is preparing new teachers. New ideas for teacher education are constantly being thrown about. But how do we really know what works? Check out research and you will find that the best predictor … Continue reading
Promptless writing
Writing prompts are extremely easy to come by – people are giving them away for free on thousands of different web sites – which should give you a clue to exactly how worthless most of them are. The student who … Continue reading
Keep it moving
One of the solutions touted to teach writing to the literary challenged adolescent has been the use of a device called the “freeze frame.” Named after the cinematographic technique that stops the action for added intensity. It was intended to … Continue reading
The writing game
I have yet to see an app that adequately teaches and assesses writing skills. However, the realm of computer games can help. The students don’t play a ‘writing’ game, but they write the scenarios of the game itself. The more … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction in education, Gaming in education, Writer's resource
Tagged Game Design, game script, Games, Non-player character, Video game, Writing
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Looking for an antihero
Most of the students are already dreading their “special” assignment. As they walk dawdling into the room and see the prompt “Write about someone who was a good influence on you” the moans begin to crescendo. Many students quickly run … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction in education, Teaching writing skills, Writer's resource
Tagged Antihero, Essay, Student, Writers Resources, writing prompts
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