Examinations; Understanding or Memorising?

Take a Step back, and think.

I wouldn't consider my holidays to be in full swing, nor is it in a total standstill. Due to some unpredicted circumstance, total liberation from school has been delayed, to much dismal reception.

On hindsight, I've never been a real big fan of written examinations, but I mean, who is?

2 hours spent in a cold room with nothing but pen, brain and hand. All those late nights, all those long hours spent memorizing factual information, everything lies within those 2 precious hours.

Make it or break it.

Since the dawn of time (seemingly), examinations have always been the forefront of being an indication of a person's understanding of the subject, well at least in the current trend of society.

What you know, is what you're worth, or so they say.

Sure, education is about understanding and ultimately learning, but really, let us take a step back and reminisce the times where nights of precious sleep was given up due to the following day's exams.

Is this learning?

Often I heard the people around me, even educators, talking about written examinations. Multiple interpretations arise but my personal favorite has to be "exams are just vomiting everything out, and back onto the script, which is then handed in".

An interesting analogy I feel.

The society's indication of a person's worth is limited in terms of measurement standards. The number of As you have in your report card often determines your chances of getting the job you desire.

And to me, that is largely disturbing. The society has "evolved" to such stage that we are so result oriented. So much so that we lose sight of the big picture.

However, this is where the paradox comes in.

Examinations does have its educational uses as well. For one, the presence of exams acts as a spur and a drive for individuals to actually make an effort to learn something. And ironically, being in such a result oriented society, that in itself is a motivator.

It is human nature that when we lose out, we feel horrible and we naturally want to do better, to compete and to excel; nobody likes or wants to lose.

To draw the line between boundaries.

We have to draw the line very clearly between knowing something and understanding it; what you know might not be something you understand.

And for me, education is all about understanding and learning something new. Never mind if you know the exact use of Mandelstam variables or the definition of quantum chromodynamics by the tip of your hands, understanding the theory and the principle behind such complexities in life is what I feel education is all about.

Sure, all hell breaks lose when the storm comes but what happens after that?

Right that's that. Now for a little update on metallic-stains.

Its been quite awhile since the blog's last post (as seen below) largely due to exams and school commitments but since that's (almost) behind, we're back in business.

For starters, I've added a little something to make interaction easier (and faster) with you guys my readers.

Blogger introduced this new feature quite some time ago and thus I'm putting it into use. Here it is,

As seen at the end of every post.

Reactions. That's what the feature is called (its the "yes" and "no" thing beside "Dig the post?") and its basically a "poll" where readers can click, select and express how they feel about the post.

Pretty interesting huh.

With Reactions, it'll be easier to obtain feedback about the post and the blog, and also easier to see if people like (or hate) the particular post. So yea, feel free to use the feature.

Its always a nice feeling to me when I see visitors from all over the world on metallic-stains. Recently I've been observing a flow of visitors interesting countries all over the world and I really appreciate that.

And you guys out there if you're reading this, feel free to comment and a big shout out to all of you.

Also, feel free to follow the blog by clicking on the "follow this blog" feature located on the right tool bar for updates.

Audrey has been busy of late and for those interested, be sure to visit the flickr page (link is located on the toolbar to the right).

Alright, I guess that's that for now. Metallic-stains is back, so be sure to check back for updates and the lot.

Great stuff soon to come.

Stay Gold!

----------------
Now playing: Anberlin - A Day Late
via FoxyTunes