The most popular test for young American children is the “Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence Test.” This test consist of the following 12 areas.
Performance Subtests: Object Assembly, Geometric Design, Block Design, Mazes, Picture Completion, and Animal Pegs
Verbal Subtests: Information, Comprehension, Arithmetic, Vocabulary, Similarities, and Sentences
However, when considering the whole child I believe only certain areas should be assessed if any at all. First, I believe a child’s emotional intelligence should be assessed because the results of this test may impact the results of other areas of the test. For example, a child with emotions issues is not likely to score well in any other areas of the test.
Furthermore, I do not know if it’s fair to test a child’s vocabulary or any of the verbal areas if their parents have not been communicating or teaching them anything. I believe once the child enters school for a couple of years and has a fair chance at learning then maybe he or she could be tested in this area.
http://www.www.nswagtc.org.au/information/general-reference/102-wechsler-preschool-a-primary-scale-of-intelligence-revised.html
As for other countries,such as China, at one time they were only interested in testing children's characteristics. However, now they are using a similar test that the US uses. Furthermore, China does not use their test scores to help children; they use the scores to determine how to rank or place them in certain schools. Currently China is also using several types of personality test as well.
Shavonne,
ReplyDeleteThat is so sad that the tests are used for placement, because that means there is segregation based on perceived intelligence. I say perceived, as I do not believe standardized testing is an accurate measure of knowledge base or intelligence. I do like the idea of using personality tests, as they may indicate learning styles. Did you find any information on whether the tests cause additional stress to the students?
Sondi
I agree with you on the testing for vocabulary. If you have a child who has no parent help at home or a parent that is low literacy themelves this does not help the child. I believe that children need to learn in and out of school.
ReplyDeleteShavonne,
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with the assessment of vocabulary. I think that we must consider culture and if the child has received proper exposed to the area of assessment so that he or she may have the possiblity of success.
I think that the assessment are unfair when all of these aspects are not taken into consideration. Vocabulary testing would be one of the instances that I would agree would not be fair.