“Teach With, Not ‘To” The Test” is an article about a short interview with Princeton Neuroscientist Sam Wang.

In it, he points out reasons why high-stakes standardized tests are not helpful to learning, including the fact that feedback is not immediate and that they create needless anxiety. He says low-stakes quizzes are useful, however, and suggests they be done in a game-style. That’s how I often use them, and you can see descriptions of some of the games I use at Games Students Play (more extensive lists can be found in my books).

He also points out that one benefit typical standardized tests provide are opportunities for students to demonstrate persistence. Though I think there are far better ways for students to develop that trait, I do have to agree with him. In fact, I wrote about that topic in The Most Effective Thing I’ve Done To Prepare Students For Standardized Tests.

I’m adding this post to The Best Posts On How To Prepare For Standardized Tests (And Why They’re Bad).