Further Dumbing Down?

[ToraToraTora]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-32531820

[naomi24]

//The idea shouldn't anyway be dismissed out of hand. //

I'm not sure what else I can do. That doesn't answer my question. In my experience, when sitting exams I wasn't expected to research the answer. I was expected to know the answer,

[DaisyNonna]

Some examinations require knowledge of facts.
Some require understanding and interpretation.
Some (gosh!) need opinions.

[naomi24]

But Daisy, in your experience did any require 'on site' research?

[jim360]

I think Naomi part of the "doesn't answer my question" bit is because I've been effectively lumping your posts in -- unfairly, but unintentionally -- with OG's. I think this is a good idea worth exploring, although I'd want to see more precise details of how it would work before welcoming it.

On a more general level I've felt exasperated, for essentially the same reasons I was voicing earlier, at the shift that took place under Michael Gove to a heavier reliance on large, final exams as a way of testing a subject. For myself I don't complain -- such exams play to my strengths -- but I don't agree that it's the best way to test knowledge for some people and it seems a step backwards to me.

[hc4361]

Learning things by 'heart' or rote just means that answers and facts can be recited parrot fashion, it doesn't mean there is any understanding of the subject further than that.

[naomi24]

hc, a momentary ‘google’ in the midst of an exam produces an answer but does it produce a better understanding? I think not.

[DaisyNonna]

Naomi, too old to have had that option.

[vulcan42]

Isn't there a problem that allowing online research during an exam leading to an equivalent system in the workplace? I wouldn't exactly feel confident with my surgeon referring to online research just before he opens me up.