Exam or No Exam: How Do We Help Our Students Value Education Again?

In many schools, examination is seen as a necessary step to measure how much a student has learned and how prepared they are to move to the next level. It is also used to determine the best among students. However, when we look closely, we will realize that doing well in school or getting all As does not automatically mean someone will be successful in life.

We have seen examples of people who didn’t do so well in the four walls of the classroom but still went on to make something meaningful out of their lives. Some of the greatest minds in history, like Albert Einstein, were not celebrated because of examination results. Rather, they became successful because of their deep interest in knowledge and their desire to make a difference in the world. They were committed to learning beyond exams.

Now, looking at what is happening in our own schools, especially with our SS3 students who are currently writing their final examinations, many of them do not seem serious or even prepared. As teachers, we observe this, and it can be discouraging. But to be fair, not all students fall into this category. Some of them are trying their best. It would not be honest to say all of them are unserious.

Still, the bigger question remains: If we do not use exams, how else can we test students' understanding of what they have been taught? Is there really a good substitute for examination? While exams may not be perfect, they currently remain one of the easiest ways to assess learning. But even then, we must admit that just passing exams doesn’t mean a student truly understands the subject or can apply it in real life.

Another issue we must face is the loss of interest in education among many students. These days, some of them care more about making quick money. Some boldly say things like, “Who book help?” because they see their mates making money through TikTok, fraud, or other means without education. Some even compare their quick earnings to the salary of a teacher or civil servant. This kind of mindset is troubling and shows a deeper problem in our society.

So what can we do? To me, i believe we must continue to talk to our students, not just about exams but about purpose, value, and vision. We must help them see that knowledge is not just for passing exams but for understanding the world, solving problems, and building a future. We also need to share real stories of people who used education to improve their lives, not just financially, but in wisdom and character.

Also, we must create an environment where learning is exciting and practical. Let students ask questions, work on real-life projects, and see the value of what they are learning. Let us not give up, even if it feels like the effort is not working. It is important to know that change takes time, but with consistency, we can still raise a generation that values knowledge, not just money.