Rethinking standardized test of science education in Indonesian high school

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the pros and cons of standardized test assessment of Science in High School in Indonesia. A critical review of literature was used in this paper. The literature includes the current policy issues and peer-reviewed journal article from some educational databases. The data are analysed and synthesised qualitatively. Considering the literature portrays the relationship between students and assessment by focusing on how to improve assessment practices, the national educational system of Indonesia should reconsider multiple-choice assessment in standardized-test of Indonesian National examination. The assessment might have some advantages such as affordability of administration to a large number of students, objectivity, and reliability. However, the major problems about the standardized tests are that it less measure deep thinking skills and the test scores less reflect students’ abilities or the quality of students’ learning. Standardized testing means students would have more rote memorization, but they have less time to synthesize information or apply knowledge which is the challenge in the 21st century. Therefore, it seems not wise when the test is used as the only consideration to make important decisions about students for their graduation from high school.