The BilBea Learning Journey

Primary School (Years 1-7)
I remember back to primary assessment where assessment wasn’t really planned for (by children) in the way of study and the teacher seemed to hope that some of the message got through for each child to pass. I remember thinking it would be better to assess straight after learning for facts and maybe how to apply this knowledge at the end of the semester/year. Problem was, we often weren’t taught how to apply the knowledge which is a major failing in the education system then (and possibly now).

High School (Years 8-12)

After doing the essential subjects we were now free to choose some subjects to fill the load. Assessment was always a written exam inside an exam block. As we got older, we studied more to get the facts and procedures into our heads. These exams were quiet at all times and certainly no movement allowed. Those without strong reading/writing skills were hugely disadvantaged. I didn’t see value in these exams except to pass – anything above a simple pass was a bonus, but not from striving as assessment and learning of facts was extremely unappealing.

One exception was the Year 12 exams (mostly the Core Skills Test in QLD) to get into university. Since it was testing core skills (similar to IQ testing), only the style of exam needed to be studied.

There was usually no feedback on exams, and limited feedback on assignments (such as good work, needed more here, etc).

University (Bachelor – Computer Science)
The assignments would flow from week 3 onwards, usually some form of project/practical work. I saw the benefit in these and usually looked for feedback. Quite often very little was given. I remember one instance in particular… I was completely new to the language C and through a work experience program, missed the compulsory C subject inserted into the second year. So really struggled with writing a C assignment. Running out of time, I got the program running with my basic knowledge – but it wasn’t the best way. I remember going back often looking for the assignment to be marked wanting to know how to do it properly only to see a big red circle (expected) then “not efficient” written there. Tell me something I don’t know!! It was not until the workforce that I eventually found the answer! To say feedback was lacking might be an understatement.

Of course there was the exam block. 2-3 hour exams – written (despite the computer science major!). The biggest thing I remember is the severe pain in my right hand and not being able to move my fingers without wincing for a long time afterward. I’m sure I’ve damaged it! Again I didn’t see much value in these, but they needed to be done to pass the subject. Again passing was my main goal – as assessment didn’t inspire anything fantastic.

University (Masters – Education)
Exams are gone (mostly) – hooray! Assignments being the main form of assessment, meaning they seem more practical (again mostly). Linguistics assignments were essay after essay with no real imagination to them, but I gave it my best anyway as I had discovered mind mapping and could suddenly write way better than I’d imagined. Feedback was only average from memory, more or less a “good work”.

I soon hit an education subject (Online Strategies) and fell in love. Assessment was in often fun, some initial groupwork to inspire the beginnings of individual work. Later in other education subjects we were submitting conference papers, holding unconferences inside the subject, writing journal-worthy papers (hopefully) and most of all, learning in a community. We got to see everyone’s papers and essays and gain even greater knowledge through the work of others. Feedback was relevant – pointing out misconceptions, pointing to further resources and readings, or agreeing/disagreeing with certain points as if I could “actually talk” to the professor! I’ve never experienced a teacher/professor that is approachable, let alone invites conversation, before joining the education stream.

Needless to say, I have many inspiring teachers to add to my “good teacher” model in my head. Hopefully, one day, I can emulate them fully.