When a correct answer is marked wrong, what are schools really testing?
The way students’ answers are marked influences whether they learn to think for themselves or just reproduce the words that are expected.
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The way answers are marked sends a clear signal to students and parents on what schools look for, says the writer.
PHOTO: ST FILE
A Primary 4 pupil was asked whether a duck (Animal T) belonged to the same animal classification as Animal S, which has scales.
The child answered that it did not, writing: “Animal S has scales but Animal T does not.”