Who Invented Exams and Why? Discover the Complete Story

Have you ever wondered why exams are so important in schools? Every student might have faced the pressure of preparing themselves for the test. However, only a few of them think about this system and the result behind it. You might have also considered who invented exams, and why they have become the standard of checking what we have learnt. So, the answer to this is that exams are not only a part of learning, but are also introduced to check the skills and knowledge fairly. With the passing years, this has become common across the globe.

But the main question is, do you know the history behind it? No worries! This blog will help you explore the facts, history, and origin of examinations in detail. Also, with this, you will learn about how this impacts your academic journey in today's world. Remain connected with this write-up till the end and get insightful knowledge about it.

Where Did Exams Originate?

The origin of examination was thousands of years ago, when people used to check their knowledge based on it. Moreover, many of you think that if you fail or get low marks, you will get punished. However, it is not true. This system was invented to find out the best people for jobs in a fair way. Below are a few facts and learning about the origin of tests.

• The first exam in history was held in Ancient China during the Han Dynasty in 206 BCE-220 CE.
• This exam was called the Imperial Examination or Keju.
• Through this test, it was easy to pick the government workers based on their talent.
• In this test, students have to remember texts by Confucius and write long essays to show their understanding of the topic.

When this exam system was new, it helped many countries to enhance the employment of their people. Later, with time, this idea was also adopted by Korea, Vietnam, and Europe. However, there was no single founder of exams, but China marked the first use of tests. Moreover, this inspired educational institutions and future governments to adopt it. But do you know who invented exams and why they exist in the modern world? Let's jump into the next section and learn about it.

Who Introduced Exams to the Modern World?

The roots of exams were first found in Ancient China. But who made exams and why? Moreover, the modern school examination system was created in the 19th century by the American professor and educationist Henry Fischel. He used to believe that this idea of formal assessments would set a standard to test the knowledge of students in schools and universities. Apart from this, you can seek our assignment help UK and get all your projects done on time. In addition, the key role of this system was to shape how institutions measure learning. Know more about the Henry who invented exams from the pointers below.

• His approach towards this system was to move the education away from the informal oral questioning to formal written assessments.
• He only helped schools to adopt exams just to check the memory of students, but to encourage them to learn and get knowledge about it.

Now, it is time to know about how Europe developed this idea of written assessments.

• In Europe, the domination was of oral learning till the 19th century. With time, written assessments took the popularity.
• This written exam was in growing demand for skilled labour during the industrial revolution.

These few changes after the 19th century have laid the path for today's educational testing. Moreover, after learning about the history of exams, who created exams, and how society moved from oral exams to written tests, the world has shown great development. But why did schools in the UK adopt exams? Is it only to help students learn about what has been taught in classrooms? Well, this is not the only reason. Come along and know the reasons for who invented school exams.

 

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Why Did Schools in the UK Adopt Exams?

The UK adopted exams to meet and fulfil the needs of a fast-changing society. Behind this adoption of tests, there are three main reasons that have assisted exams to dominate in British schools. After learning about who invented school tests, the points below will help you know about it.

Industrialization and Modernization

In the 1800s, exams brought a rapid growth in trade and industry. Businesses need workers who have practical and academic knowledge. Also, exams were the bridge to identify the qualified individuals on a fair basis.

Educational Reform

The Education Act 1870 ensured free education for children, so that they could get a chance to showcase and gather knowledge and practical learning. These standardized exams have assisted in evaluating students' learning all over the world. Also, it becomes fair for students and schools to track their academic progress.

Colonial Expansion

During the 19th and 20th centuries, the British Empire spread the idea of examinations across different parts of the world. It includes India, Africa, and Australia. Moreover, to maintain the system of education, Britain also introduced a uniform examination system. Through this expansion, it helped the country to maintain the standard and embed exams as the most critical part of the academic structure.

By looking at the benefits, it pushed schools in the UK to adopt exams, measure progress, history of exams, and prepare students for their future careers. Also, this introduction of exams has set the foundation and is still strong for the UK. With that context in mind, let's take a step ahead and check out how exams have changed.

How Exams Have Changed in the UK?

After adopting the written assessments system, it has brought a lot of changes to the UK over time. Long years ago, we used to memorize facts and use to write long answers. But now it has changed everything. Do you know what has been upgraded and the purpose of exams? Let's check out how exams have become easier, helpful, fair, and focused.

From Memorizing to Thinking

Before the 19th century, UK exams used to require students to repeat and memorize information. Moreover, at that time, you need to remember pages of facts and jot down precisely what you have read. However, with time, exams are more about understanding the topic in a way that you can apply it in a practical environment. You need to apply knowledge and think critically. In addition, the pattern of tests involves questions to explain ideas, give real-life examples, and compare things. This shift has helped students to remember things for a long time, so that they can easily apply this learning in their future careers. Hence, this shows that you have understood and have the capability to become employed in a fair way.

Use of Technology

Earlier, exams were held using traditional methods, but now, many schools have started using online platforms. In this, they include mock tests, quizzes, and official assessments. Moreover, exams are taken over computers and tablets, which have reduced the use of paper and helped in preparing results quickly. Also, scholars use online learning tools, watch videos, and take interactive live classes from their homes. By the use of technology, exams have become more engaging and accessible. However, if you get stuck with your paper, you can seek help from our experts.

Different Types of Tests

Earlier, exams were mostly in long written papers. However, now schools and colleges use different types of assessments like, group projects, coursework, oral presentations, and practical experiments. Using evolution of testing, it allows scholars to showcase their skills in different ways. But, if you are not good with written exams, you can compensate for it in projects or classwork.

Better Grading System

Years ago, exams used letter grades (A, B, C, etc.) or percentages. However, now in most of the UK, inventor of exams are held like GCSEs, which use a 9-1 grading scale. In this, 9 is the highest (means A+) and 1 is the lowest. In addition, this system assists schools and universities in checking how well the students know a particular subject or topic. Also, it clarifies your performance and helps you to track your progress. Getting online exam help can also be quite beneficial in such case.

Exams are Fairer Now

Earlier, everything used to be based on the family name, and people used to get jobs. But now, exams have taken over the education system to keep everything fair and inclusive. Moreover, if a student has difficulties in learning or has health challenges, schools arrange extra classes and divide the students into different sections based on their performance. By this, they get support and can get motivated to learn. In addition to maintaining mental health, schools and universities also conduct workshops, counselling, and revision support.

So, these are the few changes that have taken place after applying the new changes to examinations. Through this, every student has a fair chance to take a step ahead and show their capability. If you want to learn about GCSE, our experts will give you a great GCSE Grades Explained. Also, it has helped the UK to get its people employed and become a democratic country. But what if you cannot ace your exams and need help with them? Do not fret! In the next section, you will read about how our experts will guide you through it.

 

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Need Help with Your Exams? We Will Help You Out!

To conclude, after reading the who invented exams blog, you must have understood that exams have brought us a long step ahead. Moreover, it has benefited students and the country in the best way. However, what hasn't changed is the challenges scholars face. If you are also feeling the pressure and getting demotivated by your performance, it is the right time to get support. At Assignment Desk, we aid scholars to reduce their stress and make success more achievable. We have a range of services, like Assignment Help, Online Exam, and coursework help.

In addition, if you want your document with 100% original work, on-time delivery, or 24*7 assistance, you can trust us and make us your academic partner. Do not let an exam take your step back. Reach out to us and shine with grace.