In many countries, there is an increasing number of tests and exams for students at school until they finish high school. In general, this practice brings several benefits, but it also includes certain negative sides that can not be avoided.
One major aspect of having tests and exams at school is that students can identify their own strengths and weaknesses. After receiving their test results, students can identify which subjects or skills require further improvement. This enables them to change their learning strategies and focus on their weaknesses. For example, a student who performs poorly in English can spend more time practising difficult topics before the next examination. Another benefit is that exams help assess students’ knowledge and skills. Exams help teachers and parents know exactly what children are good at and where they need extra help. Preparing for the test also teaches students how to be self-disciplined, manage their time, and get used to pressure in an exam room environment.
Despite these benefits, one significant drawback is that it increases stress and anxiety. Many students felt anxious before taking the test, and excessive too much pressure can harm their confidence and motivation to continue preparing for an exam, also leading to fear of failure, such as some curriculum was too demanding for many students, especially for secondary and high school children. Furthermore, this trend can lead to long-term implications in burnout and emotional exhaustion among young children. As a result, they may lose interest in learning and become less motivated or creative in terms of lessons. For instance, when school focuses on scores too much, teachers have to lecture quickly, extend class time, and may not pay attention to students’ feelings, which reduces students’ creativity and their enjoyment of learning.
In conclusion, although frequent tests or exams offer several advantages, such as helping teachers assess students’ progress, they also have serious drawbacks, including increased stress and pressure. Therefore, schools should ensure that assessments are applied in a balanced and reasonable way.