Bismillahirrahmanirahim

I am posting my reflection on assessments as required by my module.

I am a typical Singaporean student who does not like assessments.

I only like them when I score well,have improved much from the previous result, the results are show-able to my parents and I received a reward in return!This does not occur much though.

Nevertheless, the path was never easy. I was always in a rush to cram the information into my head. Definitely, I was also stressed out when I see peers who finished studying for a particular tests 3 days before the test itself.So yes, I definitely hate those which requires a photographic-memory hardware in the brain.

I, however, love certain assessments which test concepts and those that allow me to express my opinions.I enjoyed doing Maths Assessments and Literature especially.I can still recall exiting examination halls telling my best friend that I was going to fail that A maths paper but I enjoyed it. I could’nt say the same for literature exams but I always feel satisfied after writing essays and putting my point across.

So what should assessments do?

I feel uncomfortable looking at our Singaporean context and culture which has equated brilliant academic performance with self worth.Students know that if they cant clear a major assessment, they cant go very far and this in fact is ingrained into our children since very young before 12 years old!

What assessments are doing right now, is to filter future scholars, academics or whatever profession that brings highly significant value to the economy.Since education and assessment are synonymous, it says much about our education system.

Please allow me to address what should the role of assessment be only after I address what the role of our education system should be.

An education system is supposed to impart knowledge for its sake, transform learners into better beings with each atom of knowledge gained and ultimately, mould the world into the better place to live in.An education system should strive to cater to each individual learners with different capabilities, potential and talent. An education system should allow learners to explore themselves,their own future and ultimately figure out their purpose in life.

Thus, assessments should serve as a platform for students to improve their intrinsic mastery of a certain knowledge for its sake, a spring board for them to bounce back when results are bad , a war zone from which they emerge stronger and better and ultimately, enjoy the process of discovering knowledge and most importantly, themselves.

Wallahualam