Episode 9 of RealTalk Undressed dwells on "...Is Examination a True Test of Knowledge?"

[Due to the current MidTerm Exams, we will not be releasing a Studio Session of RealTalk Undressed this week, rather we will be asking the street their opinion on the above topic]

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A lot of academic scholars have argued over the years as to whether examination is a true test of knowledge or not. Some are of the opinion that it is more of a feedback mechanism that confirms that a learner has understood what a teacher has taught; others maintained that academic competence and intelligence are not straight forward to measure and no method will fully capture the scope of a student’s ability.

All these and more will be discussed during the Next Episode of RealTalk Undressed, Episode 9. As usual, our street interviewers are already out seeking student's opinion concerning the issue of examination being a true test of knowledge or not.

Below are some excerpts:

DAVID ISHISOLA
“From my own understanding, a wishy-washy definition of knowledge is having an understanding of a particular subject while examination is about testing knowledge. Examination is also a statistical tool or qualitative tool of measuring your level or degree of a subject. But when focus is more on the exam there is a problem. What students do most times is concentrating on passing exams than having the knowledge itself, so we can no longer say knowledge is being tested, rather its now about testing a student’s ability to pass: therefore the reliability of a test is in question. So in my own opinion, examination is one of the test of knowledge but not a true test of knowledge or let me say a holistic test of knowledge.”


AMADI SAMUEL
“For me, examination is not and can never be a true test of knowledge. This could be due to some external factors such as ill-health, fear, emotional status, and so on. These days, students read to pass exams and not to gain knowledge. They neglect reading and feel reluctant until the examination period after which what was read is forgotten. Also, since the school system has made examination compulsory, students strive to pass these exams just to fulfill the school’s requirements.”


ATAMS EMMANUEL
“One who has never fought before will feel he is strong until he is brought before the face of a battle, so is it with one who has knowledge of one thing or another. A mechanical engineering student will think he knows a lot about his course haven been taught. The only way to show this is by proving it and examination is one form through which he can do so. One who has faith in God cannot know the strength of his faith unless he is put to test by temptation, so is examination. Hence, it is a sure way to know how knowledgeable one is.”


NDUBUISI NNAMDI
“Examination is not an actual test of knowledge; rather it could be seen as “show-working”. A lot of people maneuver their way by “sorting” lecturers and practicing malpractice. You can attest that most times when you ask a student who just finished writing an exam, questions pertaining that course, subject as the case may be, they cannot answer. This shows to a large extent that they read just to pass exams after which they go blank. Provisions should be made for students to focus not only on theory but practical, particularly students studying practical courses like mass communication, engineering, etc.


KAYODE KATUJE
“No oh! Examination cannot be a test of knowledge, instead it is a test of how many megabytes the brain has i.e memory status. As a student, what we do is more of like “save and download”, “copy and paste.” (asks the interviewer) are you not a Nigerian? You know what I mean.”

Truth be told, Examination is not the only true test of knowledge, but for all intents and purposes, the educational sector is eroded with so many impunities that need to be addressed if only we want to see our secondary school students pass exams in flying colours. But as it is, they have knowledge, but not for further educational pursuit, that we are tempted to justify their failure by saying that examination is not the only test of knowledge.

Anonymous DGT! explains... "No. Only practical application can demonstrate ability and knowledge definitively"

WATCH OUT FOR THE STREET VIDEO  OF EPISODE 9 OF #REALTALKUNDRESSED COMING SOON! 

In the meantime, if you still wish to participate from the comfort of your home. 

FOLLOW THE STEPS BELOW:

1. Record yourself giving reasons on the topic with your phone (not more than 60 seconds) 

2. Send to realtalksgb@gmail.com and it will be published on the Next Episode.

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