How the pandemic has changed school tests

The Covid-19 lockdown and the subsequent shift to virtual or hybrid learning models have forced us to look at the student-teacher dynamics differently. Old-school teaching depended heavily on physical presence during all exams, including class tests. In most cases, these tests were the markers for teachers to judge progress of students within the semester. Let’s see below how these tests have changed in every way, and would probably retain some of their current hybrid characteristics even after schools start functioning fully again.  

Questions have been raised on teaching efficiency and learning feedback

We now understand that it is not the sole responsibility of the student to learn, nor is it the responsibility of the teacher alone to gauge what each student wants. Virtual learning exercises have shifted the focus to both students and teachers. Most platforms and apps are equipped with student feedback options and also with options for tracking individual progress. So test prep is now a continuous process and not a matter of 3 sleepless nights before the class test.  

Change in the examination system

Written exams spaced far apart with huge syllabi are out for good. The entire system had come under scrutiny, revealing how marks were often useless in gauging the actual level of understanding in students. Tests are more frequent now, with shorter syllabi, and the semester syllabus has been broken into manageable chunks, with an assessment at the end of each chunk.  

Assessment tools are working two-way for school tests

Schools are using survey forms, often app generated, to assess quality of education before tests. They are looking into assessment tools that not only grade the understanding of the children, but also the flaws / delays in their teaching methods or schedule. This has opened up a window for two-sided communication before the tests. In short, teachers have another chance to run through a module, and kids have another chance to catch up.  

The switch to e-learning platforms and customisable test modules

Regular quizzes in classes are getting delivered via platforms that make learning deeper, more skill-based than marks based, and sometimes make tests more fun by presenting them as quizzes or interactive test-games, inviting more student participation than before.