There is a view that children have to take more tests and exams throughout their school life, starting from the age of 5 or 6. Although testing can improve students’ discipline and academic ability, it may also negatively affect their mental health.
One of the major plus points of making children take exams from a young age can help teachers to understand students’ strengths and weaknesses. Through test results, teachers can easily identify students who need additional help in certain subjects. Therefore, children can improve their academic performance more effectively. As a result, teachers can provide extra support to weaker students and improve the quality of education. Secondly, regular testing can encourage students to become more disciplined and responsible in their studies. Because of this, they pay more attention to their lessons and can prepare for examinations more seriously. For example, at the end of the school term they may have taken related to the topics studied in class If they prepare well, they are more likely to achieve good results. Therefore, regular exams can help students develop better study habits.
On the other hand, taking too many exams from young minds, can negatively affect their mental health problem such as stress and anxiety for children. To be more precise, children may feel pressure to achieve high marks and satisfy their parents and teachers. For example, some children may feel nervous and anxious before exams because they are afraid of getting low marks. As a result, too many examinations at a young age can create long-term psychological pressure for children. Another major disadvantage of the view because exams can reduce time for hobbies, sports, and social activities. Children spend their lots of time preparing for exams, so they have less free time for other activities. For example, they might have to stay at home and revise instead of playing sports or meeting friends. Consequently, their physical health and social skills cannot develop properly.
To conclude, taking tests and exams from learners may affect them both negatively and positively. On the one hand, it can help teachers understand students’ abilities and improve their learning. On the other hand, it may cause stress and reduce time for other important activities. Therefore, exams should be used in a balanced way.