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I find this question extremely interesting since I've been reading and scoring the essay portions of standardized tests that students must pass here in the states in order to achieve their high school diplomas. I've actually THOUGHT about the differences between the different countries, and how students would TRULY cross compare.
Since I've been grading tests I've learned a LOT about the different expectations of the states for their students. So far I've read and scored tests for Washington state, Alaska, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Louisiana.
Some states expect students to understand all of the information before they walk in to take the test. That's what I've always considered a "test" to be about. A student PROVING they understand an can apply the principles learned during the education. But some states give their students what amounts to an "open book" test. They give the students the answers in a "round about way" on the first page, then ask them questions. All they have to do is look and then copy the information from the first page. The only way they could make it easier for their students is to hand them a lap top with high speed internet connections.
Since discovering the differences between the STATES - I'd really have to LOOK at the tests England produces for their students. And I doubt I'll ever see that. (lol) All that information is top-secret stuff.
Bottom line is, some states are better than others when it comes to student expectations. I imagine some US states demand more than England - but I'm sure a WHOLE lot of them expect less.
[1 point]3 years ago by sillynillyReplyEdited 3 years ago by sillynilly
Sure, but like the wikipedia entry says the test for the comparisons are standardized. Of course there could be bias in the way the questions are asked or what parts are tested. However I have not heard any complaints about that.
It's the bias that shocked me. Some states like to brag how high their students score. One quick look at the tests and you can SEE why they scored high.
The test questions themselves, and the testing process, is SUPER top secret for good reason. Any HONEST educational system wouldn't want their students to have the access to test questions before the test is given. I have to sign a confidentiality agreement that leaves me open not only to termination, but a MEGA lawsuit from the state if I reveal any information about the questions. I can't imagine anyone REALLY sat down and compared the quality of the tests between the two countries. You might have a lot of learned people doing a lot of supposition, but I can't believe anyone sat down with the SATs and GCSEs and cross compared both the quality of the questions and the quality of student answers. Too difficult.
I am not surprised, the test used in the comparisons I mentioned are however standardized, they do change the language to the native language in the country. But I would love to see what you think of those international test.
Love your heart - I just realized I clicked "reply" to your comment. I meant it to be a comment to the poll in general. (lol) I didn't look at the links you provided, was just thinking about the subject at hand.
I'll go take a look at the test. It's getting a bit late, but I'm quite curious now that I see the links.
I was just wondering as me and my friends were discussing the posibility of going to university in america in our history lesson. We all decided we wouldn't because of the cost and drinking laws but our history teacher said he thought we wouldn't enjoy it anyway as he says that because everyone stays in school in america, education is less vigarous at our age (alevels) and that the first year or so of uni is like catch-up.
United Kingdom
English students score higher on international test then American students.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Programme_for_International_Student_Assessment
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trends_in_international_mathematics_and_science_study
I find this question extremely interesting since I've been reading and scoring the essay portions of standardized tests that students must pass here in the states in order to achieve their high school diplomas. I've actually THOUGHT about the differences between the different countries, and how students would TRULY cross compare.
Since I've been grading tests I've learned a LOT about the different expectations of the states for their students. So far I've read and scored tests for Washington state, Alaska, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Louisiana.
Some states expect students to understand all of the information before they walk in to take the test. That's what I've always considered a "test" to be about. A student PROVING they understand an can apply the principles learned during the education. But some states give their students what amounts to an "open book" test. They give the students the answers in a "round about way" on the first page, then ask them questions. All they have to do is look and then copy the information from the first page. The only way they could make it easier for their students is to hand them a lap top with high speed internet connections.
Since discovering the differences between the STATES - I'd really have to LOOK at the tests England produces for their students. And I doubt I'll ever see that. (lol) All that information is top-secret stuff.
Bottom line is, some states are better than others when it comes to student expectations. I imagine some US states demand more than England - but I'm sure a WHOLE lot of them expect less.
Sure, but like the wikipedia entry says the test for the comparisons are standardized. Of course there could be bias in the way the questions are asked or what parts are tested. However I have not heard any complaints about that.
It's the bias that shocked me. Some states like to brag how high their students score. One quick look at the tests and you can SEE why they scored high.
The test questions themselves, and the testing process, is SUPER top secret for good reason. Any HONEST educational system wouldn't want their students to have the access to test questions before the test is given. I have to sign a confidentiality agreement that leaves me open not only to termination, but a MEGA lawsuit from the state if I reveal any information about the questions. I can't imagine anyone REALLY sat down and compared the quality of the tests between the two countries. You might have a lot of learned people doing a lot of supposition, but I can't believe anyone sat down with the SATs and GCSEs and cross compared both the quality of the questions and the quality of student answers. Too difficult.
I am not surprised, the test used in the comparisons I mentioned are however standardized, they do change the language to the native language in the country. But I would love to see what you think of those international test.
Love your heart - I just realized I clicked "reply" to your comment. I meant it to be a comment to the poll in general. (lol) I didn't look at the links you provided, was just thinking about the subject at hand.
I'll go take a look at the test. It's getting a bit late, but I'm quite curious now that I see the links.
This comment was deleted.
[1 point] 1 year ago by deleted user ReplyAmerica has no education system. The individual states do.
NOT SURE IF ANSWER....
I was just wondering as me and my friends were discussing the posibility of going to university in america in our history lesson. We all decided we wouldn't because of the cost and drinking laws but our history teacher said he thought we wouldn't enjoy it anyway as he says that because everyone stays in school in america, education is less vigarous at our age (alevels) and that the first year or so of uni is like catch-up.
This comment was deleted.
[1 point] 2 years ago by deleted user Reply