[Year 12 IPM] Exam Post Mortem now online

[Roland Gesthuizen]

Good and timely debate. Did you know that QLD doesn't have any 
state-wide examinations for senior students? Their system of eduction is 
still able to select  and qualify students for tertiary studies. They 
also have passionate equivalents to Keith and Kevork that make a 
splendid use of technology to engage Info Tech teachers. :-)

In Victoria, we a reasonable hybrid mix of internal and external 
assessment and I can be honest about the failings of each and the deeper 
struggle with my subject that seems to struggle to keep up with change, 
defining and refocusing its goals. Given their resourcing, VCAA is made 
up of professionals like us and do a great job of gathering ideas, 
views. developing resources and assessment tools.

Better measuring? Perhaps the scientist in me says that they should sit 
at least three tests so we have an average and standard deviation. 
Trouble is that if we have more than one test then we will have to face 
a deeper reality and admit a degree of uncertainty in any assessment 
tool. We are talking about measuring people with all their moods, 
blended emotions and environmental distractions.

Over past decade I have observed -
    bleary eyed students who arrive late after another evening family flight
    students with no home computer who we slip into the teachers 
computer room after hours
    a homeless student who remarked that he studied at home under the 
light of a car battery
   
During the examination process I have seen -
    competent ESL students struggle with the glossary then stumble badly 
over words like 'robust' in the examination
    a frustrated student with who gave up and ran out of the examination 
after only 10 min
    a student who didn't turn up, instead going to work because his boss 
said 'school is a *&^%$* waste of time'
    students entering the room upset and visibly distracted when a 
fellow student was killed
    students hungry and thirsty during the afternoon examination whilst 
willingly fasting for their religion

We cannot demand greater rigour in the examination process when we are 
dealing with the vague elements that are the essence of our humanity. My 
students have stood up against the odds, some have held their ground, 
some have fallen. I celebrate their victories and console their losses.

Regards Roland

>-----Original Message-----
>On Behalf Of Mark Kelly
>Sent: Thursday, 10 November 2005 12:52
>To: Year 12 Information Technology Processing and Management Teachers'Mailing List
>Subject: [Year 12 IPM] Exam Post Mortem now online
>
>My annual whinge is now online at
>http://www.mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au/la/it/ipmnotes/exam/2005exam/index.htm
>
>Feel free to carp, bicker and protest.
>
-- 
Roland Gesthuizen - eLearning Coordinator - Westall Secondary College
http://www.westallsc.vic.edu.au