The Why Factor cover image

The Why Factor

Exams

Jun 12, 2017
Exams around the world: their significance in determining future prospects, their impact on mental health, and the debate surrounding their effectiveness. Experts discuss alternative assessment methods and the potential obsolescence of traditional exams. The influence of a gene on exam performance and the exploration of future assessment models are also covered.
23:36

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Exams can have negative consequences on mental health and there is a need for support structures to alleviate exam-related stress.
  • Exams fail to assess important qualities such as problem-solving skills, teamwork, and empathy, and there is a growing need for more practical assessments.

Deep dives

The importance and high stakes of exams in China

In China, exams hold immense importance and determine a student's future prospects. The Gao Kao, a two-day exam taken by over nine million students each year, decides which university they'll attend and even affects their future earnings and marriage prospects. The pressure to perform well can lead to suicides and immense stress for students and parents. Students must memorize textbooks word-for-word and practice extensively. The influence of China's examination system has also impacted exam reforms in the UK, France, Germany, and the United States.

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