Most public school classrooms use timed tests as a method for a measurement of student’s academic knowledge. Although timed tests do not seem to be a problem for some students, other students become highly stressed out by taking them.
Timed tests not only require a student to recall quickly information under pressure, but these tests may also cultivate a rote-learning environment within the class. Some educators may argue that memorization-learning is a good practice. Others say that “it keeps students up on their toes and it forces them to read the book and take notes.” It may be so, but usually some students who may be at the top of the class or generally, who have no problems taking multiple choice tests seem to do better than those who do have testing problems. According to research, many students who cannot perform well on timed tests often feel a sense of failure and inferiority, and neither of these self perceptions may help any student ultimately succeed in school. Timed tests also induce rote learning, whereby it is necessary to memorize information that may not come out on the test. According to research, a significant number of students are subject to rote learning who forget what they had memorized about when the test is over. According to research, if no time imposed constraints are imposed on test takers, their performance may improve and test scores may increase because of decreased anxiety and extended time to consider possible answers for the questions.
All Speech 104 tests that are administered exist within time limits for completion. The standard time used is 15 minutes for 11 multiple choice questions. The questions are not easy, as they mostly require rote memorization to be used to choose the correct answer. Prescribed time limits for testing are not allowing test takers enough time to calmly and rationally consider all of the items on a test
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