Issues in Standardized Testing Post 1

Mnemonics is a useful information processing technique that is helpful for memorization because it allows the students to make connections between the information learned and information previously learned.  During testing, this is important because triggers associated with mnemonic will allow the student to remember answers.  A con of this way of learning is that while remembering the mnemonic, often times the actual meaning or process is not learned- just the mnemonic will be remembered.

High stakes standardized tests can cause learned helplessness in the classroom.  If a student has previously done poorly on a standardized test, he/she may have it in his/her mind that they will not do well on the upcoming exam.  Their lack of self confidence creates learned helplessness because they are not willing to attempt to improve and/or learn.  Also, seeing that they advanced and weren't penalized for failing a standardized test could take away the motivation that they would have had before.

I think that social cognitive theory would be beneficial for teacher teaching specifically to pass the standardized test.  The teachers would be modeling proper test taking strategies, as well as, providing them with activities/worksheets that will be similar to the test they will be taking.  Practice tests and worksheets will be the main source of learning because it will better prepare the students for the actual test.