Is Examination actually the true test of knowledge? Many scholars has talked and argued about this phrase. Examination is a formal assessment or evaluation of a person knowledge, skills or abilities in a field. It evaluates learning process and determines qualifications and certifications, measures understanding and retention of a particular materials and access competences and proficiency. It is also used for placement of people who writes it.
Examinations can be various forms, some are;
Written Test.
Practical Assessment.
Determinant of certification and qualifications.
Examination is commonly used in Educational settings, licences processing, professional qualifications and certifications.
Examinations can be a useful tool for assessing and evaluating, but not always the true test and here is why?
Limited Scope; Rather than deeper understanding of facts or application, examination is often based on memorization and doesn't give room to creativity. An examination candidate has to shift or remain at his/her teacher's domain.
Stress and pressure; Show me examinations and I will tell you what pressure and stress is. Most examination candidates are always stressed and pressurised while preparing for it. Sleepless nights, unbalanced diets, risks of depression if they at the end of the day fail etc, are all examples of what makes examination stressful and pressurised.
Format Limitations; Multiple choice questions or written exams might not accurately captured skills like critical thinking, creativity and innovation.
Narrow Focus; Exam might prioritize specific content over broader knowledge, understanding and real world application. Here, learner might have a broader knowledge over a specific field, but examination will only narrowed one to a knowledge, and this won't give room to creativity and or ......
Rote Memorization ;Examination often focus on recalling facts, figures, formula, rules etc, rather than application of the theory or knowledge learnt.
Although, Examination goes in long way in determining people's area of expertise, processing of licences, placements of learners in classrooms, certifications etc. It is still not the true test of knowledge, because of it's limitations in scope, stress and pressure, narrow focus etc.