This chapter focus on testing, and are those tests preparing students for their future in college and eventually their job? According to Wagner, most of the tests administrated in today's classrooms are fact based, that require students to memorize facts not apply those facts. The key that Wagner talks about is the shift to assessing students using "open-ended" questions that don't have only one answer. These type of questions require students to think critically and apply the facts to new and unique situations. Wagner even extends over to AP (Advance Placement) exams and classes and how they, "not a good predictor of success in comparable college courses". In most cases if a student passes the AP exam with a high enough score, the high school student will receive college credit. What he saw though with the AP tests, is that they were lacking in application, students were expected to memorize more facts than the standard equivalent class. Wagner says, "In today's world, it's on longer how much you know that matters, it's what you can do with what you know." (pg 111).
I agree with Wager about focusing more on application based tests that can help students build a deep understanding of the content and therefore be able to apply that knowledge to new situations. Learning these skills of critical thinking and problem solving will help students beyond the classroom walls. I have seen the implementation of both multiple choice questions and inquiry-based questions. I can say that I have seen some good conceptual multiple choice questions and some that require simple fact based memorization. I have also seen and implemented inquiry based questions that really get discussions going which is very exciting in my chemistry class. I believe in chemistry there is an important balance between the two. I believe that it is important for students to know the facts because a lot of times knowing those facts allows for a deep conceptual understanding of topics, therefore allowing students to inquire about new and unique situations. For me teaching chemistry, finding a balance between facts and open-ended assessment style questions has been difficult but I try to implement something new, when given the opportunity.
I agree with Wager about focusing more on application based tests that can help students build a deep understanding of the content and therefore be able to apply that knowledge to new situations. Learning these skills of critical thinking and problem solving will help students beyond the classroom walls. I have seen the implementation of both multiple choice questions and inquiry-based questions. I can say that I have seen some good conceptual multiple choice questions and some that require simple fact based memorization. I have also seen and implemented inquiry based questions that really get discussions going which is very exciting in my chemistry class. I believe in chemistry there is an important balance between the two. I believe that it is important for students to know the facts because a lot of times knowing those facts allows for a deep conceptual understanding of topics, therefore allowing students to inquire about new and unique situations. For me teaching chemistry, finding a balance between facts and open-ended assessment style questions has been difficult but I try to implement something new, when given the opportunity.