- What one learns is a function of how much effort they are willing to expend.
- Testing is needed to scientifically measure what the students have learned.
- Was invented to produce a standardized and efficient instruction method.
- Modeled after military practices.
- Social interaction between students and teachers hinders students learning.
Compared to the classic view, the official theory is
young – it has only been used for a little over 100 years. In this section Frank Smith
describes the history of the official theory and its relationship
with testing. He mentions
that today’s current education methods were patterned after those used
by the Prussian Army during the late 1800’s.
Classes were orderly and the instruction was efficient, but relied
on the segregation of students along the criteria of ability and height. The relationship between education and military practices is
a striking one. The military
compartmentalizes units and responsibilities. Schools do the same with
instruction by content area and specialized instruction units.
Testing was the outgrowth of a desire of psychologist
and educators to scientifically measure how and what children can learn.
Testing was later adopted by the military to screen desirable
recruits. Government agencies
responsible for education liked the idea that it was a scientific
means of assessing students. In
addition, testing financially benefits textbook companies and others
involved in making the tests. Hence
the age of testing is born.
According to Smith the greatest tragedy in all of these developments is that the score on a test had become more important than what the student learned. An example of this is our governments insistence that American students improve test scores in order to compete with students overseas. Doing poorly on a test represents to the student that he is not a desirable member of the “club”. Test scores can destroy a student's sense of self worth and their desire to learn.
At the end of this section, Smith offers opposing views and his responses.
