Tests and mathetics

Tests and mathetics making progress.

One of the main questions in mathetics is: how to test the basic components
of mathetic behavior. New developments strengthens the idea that there are
promising possibilities.

One of them is a new report from the US Department of education. It mentions research in which computerized tests are used. These tests seem to enable teachers to measure Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS), better than paper and pencil tests do. Solving problems and synthesizing information are significant better in a computerized test.

A second development is a new discussion about the relevance of traditional testing. Prof. Schuwirth from the Maastricht University criticized the traditional test.
First of all the test assumes that competencies are static. This is not in line with new research in the neuropsychology. There it became clear that, due the changes in our brain, the person also changes.
A second problem is the mix of test and judgment. Not every test should be used to judge the pupil.
Another remark is the fact that a lot of subjective observations are more valid that one single so called objective test. of course the procedure for those observations should be clear and the discussion between observants could result in shared and agreed intersubjectivity.

In this blog we mentioned already the EISWEB attempt to train teachers who are able to organize innovations in their own countries. The test model behind this project was much in line with the developments mentioned above.