Examinations are a big part of school today, but have you ever wondered where they came from? Let’s explore the history of exams, starting from ancient China all the way to the exams we take now.
The word “examination” can mean two things. First, it can mean looking at something very carefully. Second, it means a formal test to see how much someone knows about a subject. Exams help decide if someone can move to the next level in school or get a certain job.
Exams started way back in 605 AD during the Sui Dynasty in China. The emperor wanted to choose government workers based on how smart they were, not just because of their family. This was a new idea back then!
Later, during the Tang Dynasty, Empress Wu Zetian made exams even better by allowing people from all backgrounds to take them. This system lasted until 1905.
After China, the British started using exams in 1806 to pick people for government jobs. The East India Company also used exams in India in 1853, allowing anyone to take them, no matter their race.
Many people think a man named Henry Fischel helped create the exams we know today. There might have been two people with this name—one was a businessman, and the other was a professor. In the late 1800s, one of them used exams to see how well students understood what they learned. This idea spread quickly and became a big part of schools everywhere.
It’s normal to feel nervous about exams. Here are some tips to help you stay calm:
Remember, exams are just one part of learning. It’s also important to find out what you’re good at and what you love to do.
Did you know that Michael Kearney is the youngest person to graduate from college? He got his degree in anthropology when he was just 10 years old!
In conclusion, the history of exams shows how education has changed over time. As you get ready for your exams, remember that they are just one step in your learning journey.
Role-Play the Ancient Exam: Imagine you are living in ancient China during the Tang Dynasty. Create a simple role-play with your friends or family where you pretend to be candidates taking the imperial examination. Think about what subjects you might be tested on, such as poetry, calligraphy, or history. Discuss how you would prepare for these exams and what it might feel like to take them. After the role-play, talk about how exams today are similar or different from those in ancient China.
Design Your Own Exam: Create a fun and simple exam for your family or friends. Choose a topic you are interested in, like animals, space, or your favorite book. Write down 5-10 questions and make an answer key. You can even include a drawing or a puzzle as part of the exam. Once everyone has taken your exam, discuss how it felt to be the examiner and what you learned from the experience.
Math in Exams: Let’s explore how math is used in exams. Imagine you are a teacher who needs to grade exams. If you have 20 students and each exam takes you 15 minutes to grade, how long will it take you to grade all the exams? Use the equation $$text{Total Time} = text{Number of Students} times text{Time per Exam}$$ to find the answer. Discuss how math helps in organizing and managing exams.
