About Standardized Testing

As teachers, we employ a variety of assessment to measure the success of our students. Standardized tests have been a very important part of Lebanese Educational System. But we always question if standardized testing is the best way to test a student's knowledge or it is just a way to test their skills!

  

Standardized tests are good tools, but they are not perfect. The trouble comes when instructors teach students how to pass tests rather than teaching the subject. If the student learns the subject, passing the test will come naturally. The best way to test a student's knowledge is to have him produce something with it. It is great to be able to pass a test, but would you hire a networking engineer who couldn't configure a home network? I have actually known people like this. I suspect they have superior memorization and verbal skills, but they have no inclination in their chosen fields. Written tests like standardized tests are necessary, but they are not sufficient.

Controversial Report about the Salaries of Teachers with Master's Degree

Teachers Shouldn't Be Paid More for Having a Master's Degree, New Report Says:

A new report suggests, "Master’s degrees in education bear no relation to student achievement." Thus, they recommend that school districts stop paying teacher's more for having a master's degree (as opposed to just a bachelor's) in order to ride out the current economic crisis.

Many teachers' start to question and complain as they read these words.Teachers (and Education professionals, in general) don't do well with change. So a change like this would be very challenging to implement. 

I believe that a master's degree in education is a big achievement that should be honored. Would you support eliminating the pay differential between teachers based on their educational achievement? I can't wait to see the comments on this issue!

 

How to Motivate and Inspire your Students

Research shows that student motivation improves engagement and grades. If you want your students to be motivated and inspired, you have to:

• Show students that you care about who they are as people and not only as students. Allow time for general conversation about their lives.

• Find out what interests your students have and try to incorporate these interests in the content area you are teaching. 

• Give students opportunities to share their work. Students and all people love to share what they have done.

• Technology is critical. Try to find ways to include technology tools you have access to (internet, video camera...). 

• Students love to socialize. Give students the opportunities to complete work in controlled groups.

Repeat Step One as much as possible. It is so important that students know that you care. Have them share how their day is going or how they did on the last test. Let them know you care!