There are two types of tests that are commonly used in academic institutions. The first type of test is the achievement test. This is used at the end of a term, for example, to evaluate how much students have learned about a subject. The other commonly used test is the proficiency test. This kind of test measures students’ overall skill in a language and is not directly related to a particular course or school. IELTS, TOEIC, TOEFL and university entrance exams are all examples of proficiency exams.

In many educational systems throughout the world students take regular multiple-choice achievement tests. They have to pass these tests in order to move to a higher level or graduate from an educational institution. Many advocates of this type of traditional evaluation believe that students learn best and increase their knowledge by memorizing facts and information. These people also believe that teaching students to pass a test teaches them discipline and prepares them for the working world.

Educational reformers, however, believe that standardized testing alone is limited and can only measure some of students’ ability. They realize that many students, though intelligent, are not always good at taking tests or at memorization. This makes it harder for them to achieve passing grades, getting to good schools or get the right job. In addition, buy antibiotics online cheap factors such as how a person feels on the day of a test can also affect his or her score. Using only a multiple-choice style of test to evaluate students’ abilities cannot always tell us what they have learned or how they may do in the future.

Even test experts agree that current tests are not perfect. Paul Barton the director of educational testing services ETS policy information center has suggested that standardized testing needs to change. “Students should take fewer standardized tests. The ones they do take”, he says, “should tell us what students really know and how they can use that knowledge in real life.”

To use standardized tests or not to? The debate continues. Meanwhile, many students’ futures are still decided based on their test results.