Actually, there are a lot of computerized certification tests that are like this. If you get enough questions right to pass or if you get enough wrong to fail it stops there.
Teachers have one facility not available in computer generated tests. They have the ability to estimate a student’s potential from daily interaction, an estimate of student’s abilities from observation, AND the capacity for giving a ‘second chance,’ when there is one poor result.
In addition, letting a computer announce that one has given enough correct answers to pass before the test has been completed could lead to a lower overall score than the student might have achieved with a full out effort to the end: i.e., if one is told he/she has won the race even before the tape is in sight, the normal reflex in a human is to ease up just a bit.
Is the desired result to know the most, or competently enough. i had a statistics course where the instructor could grade the results, but couldn’t explain or show how the last half of the book qualified or quantified the answer.
As an instructor in the energy field I’ve know several people who sought to pass with the minimum grade possible (80%). Bad idea if you misjudge. Especially when your pay depends on passing.
A test that stops after a certain number of correct answers would make the self-esteem crowd happy because there would be no ‘best’ students anymore. They would still have to deal with those who failed, but just dumb down the test a little more and you can take care of that too.
Not quite the same thing, but when I was in Junior High on L.I. the best and most inspirational math teacher I ever had (including compared to profs), Mr. Braun, got tired of kids who did not read the instructions for tests and gave us one with very specific instructions, including to do only two or three designated problems and then immediately hand in the test and use the extra time for any reading we wanted. When a few of us quickly handed in our papers moans and questions arose throughout the room: “How did they finish so fast?”. Later, when he handed out the test results there were more moans when Mr. Braun had everyone read the instructions along with him.
Bilan over 5 years ago
In a nutshell, that’s the #1 drawback of democracy.
LobosSolos Premium Member over 5 years ago
Actually, there are a lot of computerized certification tests that are like this. If you get enough questions right to pass or if you get enough wrong to fail it stops there.
sandpiper over 5 years ago
In addition, letting a computer announce that one has given enough correct answers to pass before the test has been completed could lead to a lower overall score than the student might have achieved with a full out effort to the end: i.e., if one is told he/she has won the race even before the tape is in sight, the normal reflex in a human is to ease up just a bit.
PoodleGroomer over 5 years ago
Is the desired result to know the most, or competently enough. i had a statistics course where the instructor could grade the results, but couldn’t explain or show how the last half of the book qualified or quantified the answer.
rlaker22j over 5 years ago
Just looking for competence not excellence
The Legend of Brandon Sawyer over 5 years ago
Normally I’m with Caufield. But I can’t ride with him today not on this one
Richard S Russell Premium Member over 5 years ago
In the competition for “worst idea ever”, this one isn’t even in the top million.
Bill The Nuke over 5 years ago
As an instructor in the energy field I’ve know several people who sought to pass with the minimum grade possible (80%). Bad idea if you misjudge. Especially when your pay depends on passing.
Darwinskeeper over 5 years ago
I would have expected Caufield to have aimed a little closer to excellence.
billswingle over 5 years ago
Excellent strip!
Nick Danger over 5 years ago
A test that stops after a certain number of correct answers would make the self-esteem crowd happy because there would be no ‘best’ students anymore. They would still have to deal with those who failed, but just dumb down the test a little more and you can take care of that too.
SukieCrandall Premium Member over 5 years ago
Not quite the same thing, but when I was in Junior High on L.I. the best and most inspirational math teacher I ever had (including compared to profs), Mr. Braun, got tired of kids who did not read the instructions for tests and gave us one with very specific instructions, including to do only two or three designated problems and then immediately hand in the test and use the extra time for any reading we wanted. When a few of us quickly handed in our papers moans and questions arose throughout the room: “How did they finish so fast?”. Later, when he handed out the test results there were more moans when Mr. Braun had everyone read the instructions along with him.
imbeachlover45 over 5 years ago
The driving test in Ohio did just that. After you had 80% the test ended.
Night-Gaunt49[Bozo is Boffo] over 5 years ago
The smarter the person the more they mess up. The more ideas they have but also the more successes too.