What is on the Test?

As part of a self-care practice, I run most days of the week. During my run, I listen to podcasts focusing on conversations about self-improvement, health, music, and sports. During one recent podcast, a person asked a question about teaching that piqued my interest.

The teacher shared a love for their work. The question focused on new ways to motivate students who only seek information that is going to be on the test. The teacher shared that students will only join a zoom meeting if they can have the camera off so they can do something else as the teacher shares information that is not on the test.

The teacher was talking about older children from high school and beyond. As young children, these students learned that the only important part of learning is the information on a test.

The children in this story were once preschool and school-age children. Along the educational journey, they concluded that learning is only helpful for collecting information, memorizing, and regurgitating on a test. As educators, we can embrace learning as a process. Learning is a journey to know more, a journey that never ends. We have an opportunity to pass on the joy of learning to the children in our care.

Learning is about questioning, exploration, and discovery. An essential part of learning is never on the test. Learning is about the people, places, and things we discover along the way. Learning is a way to contribute to our community. Yes, at times, we need to learn specific facts. Any fact is at our fingertips, thanks to Google.

Learning has evolved and is about exploring our questions. Education is about collaboration, improving our skills, supporting others, and contributing. To contribute or be a leader, people need to learn how to learn. As educators, we do not need to share information that anyone can find in a few seconds on a computer. We need to connect with the children and share the joy of exploring questions and pursuing our interests. Learning is about community. Supporting authentic learning helps children grow into adults that will forge new ideas and build the future. The future is not about facts. It is about contribution.