[Year 12 IPM] Exam Post Mortem now online

[Keith Richardson]

Thank you Roland for your dose of reality.
This begs the question "Why do this at all?" (i.e. assess).
The answer of course is that we must assess, but what we can decide is
WHERE to place OUR priorities.
At the end of the day we must be able to look in the mirror and say with
total honesty "Today I made a difference for my students that matters."
The question then morphs to "WHAT matters?"
And now we are really mining into the good stuff, the worthwhile stuff,
the stuff that it is important to think about, to crystal ball about,
and to think widely and long-range about.
I am never satisfied that I have found the right answer, but to be
eternally on the trail towards it is good enough for me.
To watch the light in their eyes flash with understanding or excitement
is the canary-in-the-cage that says "We are on the right track, here.".
And so we stumble on, but with hope and a smile, sharing in their
growth.
Ciao to all, Keith



On Sun, 13 Nov 2005 00:12:54 +1100, "Roland Gesthuizen"
<rge at westallsc.vic.edu.au> said:
> Good and timely debate. Did you know that QLD doesn't have any 
> state-wide examinations for senior students? Their system of eduction is 
> still able to select  and qualify students for tertiary studies. They 
> also have passionate equivalents to Keith and Kevork that make a 
> splendid use of technology to engage Info Tech teachers. :-)
> 
> In Victoria, we a reasonable hybrid mix of internal and external 
> assessment and I can be honest about the failings of each and the deeper 
> struggle with my subject that seems to struggle to keep up with change, 
> defining and refocusing its goals. Given their resourcing, VCAA is made 
> up of professionals like us and do a great job of gathering ideas, 
> views. developing resources and assessment tools.
> 
> Better measuring? Perhaps the scientist in me says that they should sit 
> at least three tests so we have an average and standard deviation. 
> Trouble is that if we have more than one test then we will have to face 
> a deeper reality and admit a degree of uncertainty in any assessment 
> tool. We are talking about measuring people with all their moods, 
> blended emotions and environmental distractions.
> 
> Over past decade I have observed -
>     bleary eyed students who arrive late after another evening family
>     flight
>     students with no home computer who we slip into the teachers 
> computer room after hours
>     a homeless student who remarked that he studied at home under the 
> light of a car battery
>    
> During the examination process I have seen -
>     competent ESL students struggle with the glossary then stumble badly 
> over words like 'robust' in the examination
>     a frustrated student with who gave up and ran out of the examination 
> after only 10 min
>     a student who didn't turn up, instead going to work because his boss 
> said 'school is a *&^%$* waste of time'
>     students entering the room upset and visibly distracted when a 
> fellow student was killed
>     students hungry and thirsty during the afternoon examination whilst 
> willingly fasting for their religion
> 
> We cannot demand greater rigour in the examination process when we are 
> dealing with the vague elements that are the essence of our humanity. My 
> students have stood up against the odds, some have held their ground, 
> some have fallen. I celebrate their victories and console their losses.
> 
> Regards Roland
> 
> >-----Original Message-----
> >On Behalf Of Mark Kelly
> >Sent: Thursday, 10 November 2005 12:52
> >To: Year 12 Information Technology Processing and Management Teachers'Mailing List
> >Subject: [Year 12 IPM] Exam Post Mortem now online
> >
> >My annual whinge is now online at
> >http://www.mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au/la/it/ipmnotes/exam/2005exam/index.htm
> >
> >Feel free to carp, bicker and protest.
> >
> -- 
> Roland Gesthuizen - eLearning Coordinator - Westall Secondary College
> http://www.westallsc.vic.edu.au
> 
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Keith Richardson
IPM List Moderator
Head of ICT, Leibler Yavneh College
Elsternwick
Ph: 03.9528.4911
k.richardson at yavneh.vic.edu.au