Scrap the CCTs?

The CCTs, are also known as common class tests and have been a point of genuine contention till present. They are tests being administered periodically and grade pupils on a particular topic (s) which has/have been taught to them over the course of a term. They have assimilated within our life in school and emerged as an essential part of our school's unique culture. In entirety, it has devolved into an issue that has become multi-faceted and individuals are attempting to perceive it from differing dimensions. Personally, I feel that the CCTs should not be scrapped.

Numerous individuals have thus far regarded the CCTs with contempt, and hence became proponents of the abolishment of these tests. The intrinsic argument which opposes the existence of such tests is that they pressurises the students to meet certain expectations established by their parents. The anxiety and tension thus results in stress and is detrimental to the psychological state of these young students in our schools today. Therefore, this leads to a case of under performance for most students and hence several people deem it as an inaccurate gauge of their abilities in the tests. In addition, this distention of pressure results in students employing unfair means to obtain their desired marks; that is- cheating in a test. The unhealthy mindset and mental well-being that drives the students into an exhausting transgression are some of the main factors which impel individuals to adopt an "anti-test" perception. Thus they feel that the CCTs should be scrapped!

However, on the flipside of the controversy, CCTs are defined as tests which are given after at least a topic is being taught. Thus the students should possess sufficient time to prepare for the tests and would only have to concentrate on the topic(s) being taught. Hence, he or she would not have to study extensively for the test. More importantly, the CCTs are avenues for students to effectively re-cap and revise the lessons taught in school and apply the inoculated knowledge in tests. Some people say that tests are merely 'stress points' and is a test of composure. However, a student who is presumably well-equipped for the test will be confident and there would be no reason to experience extreme stress in the course of the tests. Therefore it boils down innately to the attitude of the students.

By conceiving that the CCTs are not an accurate gauge of the students' abilities, it is not that true. Tests are, fundamentally of paramount importance. Only a minority of the student population would have studied the lessons being taught and if the CCTs were not present, the students would perform badly for the end-year examination having not revised adequately. The CCTs are basic checkpoints for the students which ensure that they have learnt and sufficiently comprehended the topic. Through the student's daily demeanour and results, the teacher can assess his or her strengths and weaknesses in the topic/ subject, which permits the teacher to provide guidance if necessary. Such tests are the purpose of our education system.

Tests are extant to demarcate the standards of various students (i.e who studied? who didn't? who is weaker in this subject? who is stronger?). Academic selection is being practiced, and tests is the suitable medium for doing so. Based on personal experience, I realised that the absence of tests will be disastrous, as you will not be cognizant of "where exactly do I stand?" and if you have indeed, understood the topic well.

When preparing for the CCTs, it will be another test of your time management and organisational skills--if you can efficaciously balance work and play in preparation for the test. This will be exceptionally useful and can be possibly applied to future tests or examinations; and even throughout one's life. When seeking a job or facing life's prevalently arduous challenges where solely the fittest can survive; after one has encountered the stress of tests and examinations, he or she will be rather comfortable and take on such tasks confidently. In fact, the EOYs are simply a culmination of the CCTs in the entire year, and a student will be aware of the type of questions which might be tested by revising the past CCTs. Given the competition engendered by tests, as students strive to be ahead of one another in their attained grades, a student may be immensely inspired to increase their knowledge pool to learn more outside the boundaries of the curriculum. Personally, I was encouraged to do so and that was of great benefit to me.

In conclusion, it is inevitable that the "test fever" will grip students. It is commonly hypothesised that CCTs generate amongst students stress and pressure. However, I personally feel that if one manages his/her time appropriately and prepares well for the test (and not last-minute), it should not be a problem and the student will naturally excel . CCTs, as a whole, is a good tool to gauge the students' knowledge and their abilities to apply the theories and concepts learnt in the topic to the test, alongside with it being a reflection of how well they have prepared for the test. In the long run, it will hold us in good stead for the future in life as we have already undergone the purported "ordeals" of such tests and examinations; and we will thus be ready for any other challenges which will stretch us to the limits. Henceforth, as countless individuals take a cognitive approach towards the issue of whether CCTs should be scrapped, I reiterate my stand that the class common tests should not be scrapped.