Where the Learning Ends

Traditionally, generally, a test marks the end. In many instances–too many, in my opinion–it becomes a point of no return for kids: “The score is in the book. We are moving on, to the next unit of study, to the next test.” And the cycle repeats itself so many times that kids–and educators–come to think that testing is learning, that testing is teaching: that testing is everything.

Proof? Ask 100 teachers how much weight they give their tests in the grade book. I imagine the answer would reveal a weighty reality, one that strikes fear and raises anxiety in kids. Fear and anxiety? Why? Why ever?

And to what end the end (the test)? “Will this be on the test?” Is that learning compass for kids? All else matters not, only that which will be on the test? And what of the test after we have moved on? Is all that the kids dumped on the test and now forgotten really as important as we make it out to be? Did they really learn it if they take the test on Friday only to have forgotten most of it by Monday? This type of learning does not seem to endure, and the kids know it. But it does often come with a lasting impact: the one in the gradebook. If the impact of the grade endures but the impact of the learning does not, what does this say about our means, about our end? How do kids translate the meaning of this? I don’t know. Ask them how they feel about tests? That might give us some insight, but I suspect we already know. And I suspect for many of us, despite our own compasses pointing us away from such practice, we continue towards the only end we’ve ever known: the test. Seems a sorry end.

But there is hope. I have heard heartening tales of more and more teachers offering corrections and retakes. And when it’s kids telling the tales, I become heartily hopeful that there may be a better end after all. For when kids experience opportunity to continue learning, the means make more sense and the ends seem to be but short stops before the next steps towards learning and growing. No dead ends. Just steps.

Out of time this morning on this third installment. Wanted to get further down the trail, but I will have to make a short stop here until I can continue towards my next end tomorrow.

Happy Wednesday, all.

Do. Reflect. Do Better.