"Even in science subjects, the objective test items are the questions whose answers are either correct or incorrect; multiple choice, fill in the blank. or one-word answer types related to facts which test 'low order thinking skills' (LOTS), such as memory, recall of facts and figures. There is a need to include test items related to comprehension, reasoning, diagram-reading and application of numerical procedures, etc., for testing higher order thinking skills (HOTS) and paper setters are needed to be trained in such skills," holds educator-researcher Dr Lalit Kishore whose paper “Objective Testing in Science Versus Learning Objectives"" was mentioned in the Progress of Education, 64, p,123, 1989 (See inset picture).
Objective type HOTS questions in science subjects are the diagnostic assessment of the quality of science instruction and quality of learning. Thus, such test items are most suitable for credits-based mastery testing, he adds saying that such question require quick mental work to identify the right option. Though, currently, objective questions test only a single right answer but there is need to make sure wrong answers called distractors seem plausible.
It is being felt by many well meaning educators that undue hype over perfect score by a few students in public examinations is psychologically injurious to most young students who get less than 90% marks and it is equally stressful for parents of such students. This type of trend has given rise to multi-crore examination scams perpetuated by bad examination system and thriving of coaching industry involved in the scams. The schools and examination boards need to test higher order thinking skills so that students think and actively learn rather than over-memorising for perfect score. "Hype over perfect scores in public exams is cover up on scams ridden and exploitative education and examination system," observes Dr Kishore
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