Technology issues affect math test

Parents of a primary school in Kingston were this week angered while administering their children's Grade Six diagnostic test for mathematics by the Ministry of Education.

The test document of 60 questions, which was posted in the students' Google Classroom, was missing numerous graphs the students needed to attempt answering a series of questions.

Instead of graphs, students saw error signs and messages. Teachers advised students to 'guess answers' for the affected questions.

One parent, who is also a teacher, told THE WEEKEND STAR that this approach isn't feasible , given that the test is an assessment of the students' knowledge, understanding and proficiency in the subject area.

"I think it is just crazy. A better option would be for her (teacher) to tell them to continue with the other question while she seeks guidance in what to do. My son was angry at the fact that she told him to just pick an answer, because he can't pick an answer for a question he doesn't know," she said. "The teachers can't be blamed, because they have no control over the content that was sent. However, the response to the students should have been better."

Awaiting printed materials

Jasford Gabriel, president of the Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA), says some schools have not yet administered tests as they are awaiting email addresses, passwords and exam links.

"Others are awaiting printed materials from the regional offices, as they are in areas with Internet challenges. Tests are not a true reflection of students' performance as a diagnostic test should, since some schools would have already been engaged in teaching or learning for weeks now," he said.

Gabriel adds that the reliability and validity of the test is questionable because of the different modes of administration across schools.

"Some students took the tests home, as they are experiencing Internet challenges and have to therefore work with the printed materials. Teachers are still waiting on students to take back same," he said. "Some don't have devices and connectivity and others were unable to open the test in Google Classroom. So tests can't be done online. It may be assumed that some are receiving external help. Also, some students are not able to submit the tests when they complete it."

When THE WEEKEND STAR contacted the National Parent Teachers Association of Jamaica, the association said it was not aware of any challenges.