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Perspective

A transition should be made from the existing system of memorizing
and reproducing a vast number of details towards a system where
the questions of the external testing shall focus on the under-
standing of the key concepts of the course material. This means
that there would be no pool of possible test questions available in
advance. Instead of searching for someone who has answered the
questions from the pool of possible questions, the pupil should
make an effort to understand the key concepts he/she studied

each quarter, covering the course material from reproducing a vast number of details towards
that quarter. Operationally, there is no problem a system where the questions of the external
to do this, because the computers are already testing shall focus on the understanding of
there. This would require additional efforts from the key concepts of the course material. This
the authorities. But, the pupils will feel relived, means that there would be no pool of possible
and the whole process will preserve the quality. test questions available in advance. Instead of
The stress that the testing covers the entire searching for someone who has answered the
course material will be gone. The important questions from the pool of possible questions,
thing is that discrepancies between the grades the pupil should make an effort to understand
assigned by the teachers and the grades from the the key concepts he/she studied. This would be
external testing will be identified much faster. a qualitative step forward in the educational
Actually, the external testing will become an process.
early warning system that will timely indicate
the weaknesses of particular teacher / pupil, To conclude, I support the external testing,
so that corrective activities can be taken in the but not in the way it has been carried out so far.
course of the same school year. The pupils can be It has been introduced with good intentions, it
tested on several courses during the school year, has the potential to give long-lasting positive
which will eliminate the current complaints that systemic results, but a strong will is needed to
somebody got the easy courses, while somebody overcome the existing weaknesses. The changes
of the existing system do not require money
3else got the difficult ones. and should be made easily. I am sure that it has
Third, the testing approach should be been harder to introduce the external testing
changed. This is the most important, the and to meet the technical preconditions for
crucial step. A transition should be made its operationalization than to make adequate
from the existing system of memorizing and changes now.

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