Written exams as a form of assessment have become an increasingly contentious issue due to their multifaceted nature. Nowadays, assessing students through formal examinations rather than continous assessment is becoming widespread. While, this trend has substantial benefits, such as organised learning and testing under pressure, it also poses several challenges, including rote-learning and strain on mental health. This essay will delve into both the advantages and disadvantages associated with formal examinations, shedding light on its salient aspects, before reaching a reasoned conclusion.
One of the most compelling benefits of examinations is that it encourages organised learning. This is particularly significant because these types of exams require students to adopt structured time-table and learning strategies. For example, due to excessive syllabus students have to manage their times to cover the whole curriculum before examination days, which makes them more responsible and disciplined. . Moreover, examinations are an effective way to assess students under pressure, resulting in stress handling and problem solving skills in students. Therefore, this aspect of formal examinations can be considered advantageous, as it not only facilitates organized skills but also teaches them how to handle the pressure.
On the other hand, despite the benefits, several concerns warrant careful considerations. The most prominent concern is that it promotes rote-learning. This is particulary significant because it becomes extremely difficult for students to absorb overwhemling curriculum, resulting in rote-learning to pass the examinations. For example, countries like India, where written examinarions are prevalant, witnessed a major increase in rote learning among school students. Furthermore, assessing students through examinations causes high pressure on students, reulting in mental health issues and low productivity. Consequently, this side of formal assessments can be percieved as a negative development.
In conclusion, although traditional assessment methods offer considerable benefits, including increased management skills and handling high pressurised environment, it simultaneously presents several challenges related to rote-learning and mental health problems. I believe a balanced and pragmatic approach that integrates formal assessment techniques alongside continous assessment is therefore essential to mainatian a substantial and long-term progess in the modern world.