Exams and general complaints about human nature.
Why do we have exams? Ok, you can say we should be assessed on how we cope with problem solving given a strict time limit. But why do exams have to be the bulk of all assessments?? Why can't we have more coursework and more projects? Surely, they would enhance our personal skills further rather than just increase and test our academic knowledge! If I were to become the dictator of a country (or that of the world) I would assess a year's work in terms of projects and research done during the year rather than putting someone through the erroneous system of exams.
All this brings you to think about the concept of change, of revolution. Why are we so afraid of change? Why do we tend to adopt the attitude of nonchalance that begets the idea that if something is not broke, then do not fix it!! Why do we have to wait or find something wrong or broken? Ever heard of the word 'improvement'? 'Progress'? If everything is functioning well, it does not mean you can't change it for something better, it does not mean we cannot aspire to something better, to something which will make things progress. Progress and change is what makes us stand out as homo sapiens. We have the mental capacity to think outside the box, to think ahead. You won't see an ant or a stray dog thinking about what to eat in a week's time, will you?
I hope someday the government realises that exams are not as effective as they think they are. I hope someday education is given the respect it deserves, I hope someday we realise that changes HAVE to be made if we want to move forward. Traditions may be the casualties of revolutions, but there need to be a revolution. Revolution in the way the society functions, revolution in the way people think, even if it means lecturer or teachers in general will be devoid of the 'deadly' weapon of mass destruction that are exams!
Rant over.
