DISCLAIMER: I am only talking about tests in the U.S.A because that's all I know about these tests. I don't know how in works anywhere else in the world.
A few days ago, I took a PSAT. Yeah, this early in high school. I knew it's necessary for every school in take these tests so they can be compared to every elementary/high school. I'm glad these tests don't count in your grades, though, that's good. But you do get the results and it tells you how much percent you did better than other kids in the country. My problem with standardized tests is that they cause anxiety for children.
I've heard reports that some children get their self-worth from these tests, and if their test scores are low, they don't care and might even commit suicide. I heard from one case, a child was comatose during the test day, and mother literally, had to prove that he was in a coma. And sometimes, if the parents see low grades, they insult and ridicule their children for not studying hard enough. This is a similar case in Japan, as well.
I heard Japan takes their studies very seriously. And if Japanese parents see low scores, the children's punishments are really harsh. I just feel bad for children who have to deal with these dilemmas. They might not be smart academically, but they still have worth. Their self-esteem shouldn't go down over a low score. They're more than a score. So I hope America can find a way to fix standardized testing in the future.
A few days ago, I took a PSAT. Yeah, this early in high school. I knew it's necessary for every school in take these tests so they can be compared to every elementary/high school. I'm glad these tests don't count in your grades, though, that's good. But you do get the results and it tells you how much percent you did better than other kids in the country. My problem with standardized tests is that they cause anxiety for children.
I've heard reports that some children get their self-worth from these tests, and if their test scores are low, they don't care and might even commit suicide. I heard from one case, a child was comatose during the test day, and mother literally, had to prove that he was in a coma. And sometimes, if the parents see low grades, they insult and ridicule their children for not studying hard enough. This is a similar case in Japan, as well.
I heard Japan takes their studies very seriously. And if Japanese parents see low scores, the children's punishments are really harsh. I just feel bad for children who have to deal with these dilemmas. They might not be smart academically, but they still have worth. Their self-esteem shouldn't go down over a low score. They're more than a score. So I hope America can find a way to fix standardized testing in the future.
