You know how they teach that scientists aspire to be reasonable and logical creature and how they thrive to be precise in the definition of everything ans so on and so forth... and then kids get this as the test questions in their science textbooks. This is taken from my son's six-grade book.
- Scientist Use technology to
a) draw conclusions
b) recognize problems
c) solve specific problems
d) create new theories
The expected correct answer is C. Riiiiiggght......
Well, people, of cause scientists use technology to solve specific problems and that might be fine as a proximate answer, however with the exception of b) Technology could be used for A and D just fine.
Ok, Ok may be I am splitting hair here but look at the next masterpiece.
- One of the reasons for using models is to
a) communicate
b) test prediction
c) save time, money and lives
d) all of the above -
The expected correct answer is ..... D!!!!. Please, read the question again... ONE of the reasons.... D is not ONE, it is THREE? Now, tell me how a normal kid with rudimentary but rather solid grasp of logic can answer this.
No seriously, mine failed this. He even gave me an explanation.. perfectly reasonable too.
He said, " I knew that all three are real reasons and thought about choosing D... but they asked for ONE reason....". So, basically, I have to explain to a kid that when he takes tests he should completely forget that such thing, as common sense exists, deduce (somehow, probably through an advanced mind-reading) an expected correct answer and go with it...
Would something like this be possible if not for a multiple-choice test? NO, NO WAY. In writing, he would have a chance to explain, but no, it is very difficult to teachers to correct written assays...
But wait... we haven't gotten to Social studies and American history yet... this is where REAL crap begins to bloom or rather smell.
