Why exams are a pillar of educational excellence

 

From Gopala Krishnan

The debate around the abolition of exams to reduce academic stress has gained momentum, with some advocating their removal to alleviate pressure on students.

However, exams have been an integral part of the educational framework for generations, serving as a vital tool for assessing students’ knowledge, skills, and competencies.

Suggesting the abolition of exams overlooks the fundamental role they play in maintaining educational standards and ensuring fairness.

A tradition of excellence

Exams such as the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and A-Levels are globally recognised benchmarks of academic achievement.

These standardised assessments are meticulously designed to evaluate a wide range of skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to apply knowledge in diverse contexts.

Similarly in Malaysia, exams like the Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR), Pentaksiran Tingkatan 3 (PT3), Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), and Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) have long been pillars of the education system.

These exams not only gauge students’ academic performance but also play a crucial role in determining their future educational and career pathways.

Standardisation and fairness

One of the primary advantages of standardised exams is the consistency they bring to the assessment process.

When exams are administered by central bodies such as the Malaysian Examination Syndicate or state education department, they provide a uniform measure of student achievement across different schools and regions.

This standardisation ensures that all students are evaluated on an equal footing, promoting fairness and meritocracy.

In contrast, school-based assessments may vary in difficulty and coverage, leading to disparities in student evaluation and potentially disadvantaging some students.

Comprehensive coverage

Exams are designed to cover the entire syllabus, ensuring that students have a well-rounded understanding of the subject matter.

When teachers set their own assessments, there is a risk that certain topics may be overlooked, either due to time constraints or personal biases.

Standardised exams eliminate this issue by providing a comprehensive evaluation of students’ knowledge, ensuring that all aspects of the curriculum are addressed.

Preparing for the future

Exams teach students essential life skills such as time management, discipline, and the ability to perform under pressure.

These skills are invaluable in the real world, where individuals are often required to meet deadlines and deliver results in high-stress situations.

By facing the challenges posed by exams, students develop resilience and a strong work ethic, preparing them for future academic and professional endeavours.

Addressing academic stress

While it is true that exams can be a source of stress, it is important to recognise that stress is an inherent part of life.

Learning to manage stress effectively is a crucial skill that students must develop.

Instead of abolishing exams, educational institutions should focus on providing better support systems for students.

This could include counselling services, stress management workshops, and a more balanced approach to teaching and learning.

The role of classroom assessments

Classroom assessments aim to provide a holistic evaluation of students.

However, it is still a fuzzy zone for many teachers and parents, lacking clear guidelines and consistency in implementation.

This variability could lead to subjective assessments and inconsistencies in evaluating students’ performance.

Standardised exams, on the other hand, offer a clear and objective measure of students’ abilities.

In conclusion, exams have been a cornerstone of the educational system for generations, providing a standardised and objective measure of students’ academic abilities.

Abolishing exams to reduce academic stress overlooks the crucial role they play in maintaining educational standards, ensuring fairness, and preparing students for future challenges.

It is essential to retain exams while simultaneously addressing the factors that contribute to academic stress.

By doing so, we can uphold the integrity of the education system and ensure that our students are well-equipped to succeed in a competitive global landscape. - FMT

Gopala Krishnan has taught at various education levels nationwide and has served at several entities in the education ministry for 35 years.

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.