« I'd Like To Thank The Academy... | Main | Greek Fire »

August 29, 2007

Is Your Science Exam Too Hard?

Well, then I guess you've got two options. 1 - Study more. Or 2- Get more multiple choice questions on the test:

Exam boards in England are planning to put more simple questions in science papers, the Times reports.

A document seen by the newspaper says that from next year, some papers should consist of 70% "low demand" questions, instead of the current level of 55%.

The document was prepared by the umbrella group of exam boards, the Joint Council for Qualifications.

There is concern that fewer students are taking science GCSEs, although there was a small upturn this year.

Since 1984, the number of people studying A-level physics has slumped by 57% and the take-up of chemistry has dropped by 28%.

Under the new proposals, exams would contain fewer tough questions requiring detailed answers and more that ask students to tick a multiple-choice box, the Times said.

Sounds like a brilliant plan to improve the quality of English science, it does.

And the students will feel better about themselves, which is really what matters most.

Posted by Mr. Bingley at August 29, 2007 07:30 AM

Comments

Demand little and you're likely to get what you asked for. Good luck with that, chaps.

Posted by: nightfly at August 29, 2007 10:31 AM

Pretty soon a science degree will only good for wiping one's brow while working over the deep fryer.

Posted by: Gunslinger at August 29, 2007 04:14 PM

The English educational system has been hell bent on eliminating the next generation of English scientists for quite some time. You are going to see a social situation very similar to that right before the Great War, where only the elites dabble in science, becuase they pay for their own educations in "public" schools.

Posted by: John at August 29, 2007 09:00 PM