10 things I’d implement in the education system after getting rid of standardised tests
Put more emphasis on activity-based learning, or learning by doing.
E.g. using maths and reading to build simple software games using Scratch or code.
Write short plays that mimic or comment on historical events or books in literature. Write ‘mash-ups’ or ‘what-ifs’ for periods in history.
Effectively shorten school days by adding more ‘free periods’ throughout the day or systematically in the afternoon.
Or ‘optionally shorter’ so that parents who work can leave their children at school.
Make tests optional for subjects except (1) A primary language, (2) basic mathematics (and possibly logical reasoning).
Award an effort-based ‘grade’ or incentive for participating in other subjects, including sports (if the student is capable of participating).
Encourage using flashcards at school for e.g. 10 minutes at a time to learn vocabulary / facts.
Give awards to students if the entire class does well or improves to encourage students to help each other.
Allow students to specialise heavily from the age of 13, though they should still participate in weekly ‘exploratory’ classes in e.g. geography, history or science to pique their interest and expand their general knowledge.
Driving idea: if students are not interested, they may not learn or retain any information.
Make time for students to share things they are interested in with each other, and try to combine those interests into a broader project.
Make time in school every 2 weeks to help the broader community.
This can include teaching younger students.
Give students a chance to try to ‘build a business’ or raise funds using a small amount of money, e.g. $10 each. (But need to design it carefully so rich students don’t try/get to abuse their financial status - the final amount of money is not the point).
This is a brainstorm in response to a prompt from the Edison Deck, which challenges one to come up with ten responses to each prompt.
