Try the political quiz
@ISIDEWITHQuestionsIrelandEducationEducation ReformLeaving CertificateContinuous AssessmentSecondary Education•••Started 4mos agoActive 3wks ago

Should the high-pressure final Leaving Certificate exams be replaced by continuous assessment?

The Leaving Certificate is the terminal examination for Irish secondary school students and solely determines university placement. Critics have long argued it is an outdated "memory test" that causes extreme stress and unfairly penalizes students who have bad days. Proposals for "Senior Cycle" reform include moving to 40% teacher-based continuous assessment. Proponents argue this would reduce exam stress and better reflect a student's holistic abilities over time. Opponents, including some teacher unions, argue that continuous assessment introduces bias, increases workload, and threatens the objectivity and anonymity of the state examination system.

13 Replies

 @ISIDEWITHDiscuss this answer...4mos4MO

Yes

 @ISIDEWITHDiscuss this answer...4mos4MO

No

 @ISIDEWITHDiscuss this answer...4mos4MO

Yes, the current system rewards rote memorization over critical thinking and actual learning

 @ISIDEWITHDiscuss this answer...4mos4MO

No, the "points race" is brutal but it is the most meritocratic system we have

 @ISIDEWITHDiscuss this answer...4mos4MO

Yes, staking a student's future on one exam causes severe anxiety and ignores two years of hard work

 @BDSPBWManswered…3wks3W

No, but reform leaving cert exams

 @BDQMPJKanswered…4wks4W

While not replaced entirely it should be a component

 @BDP5XC8answered…4wks4W

It should be replaced with a mix between continuous assessment, oral assessment and final written assessment.

 @BDGSLJMGreenanswered…1mo1MO

Create a balance between continuous assessment and annonymous state exams

 @BCWG8WF answered…2mos2MO

Yes, all exams at all levels should be open-book. Memorisation does not mean learning. Open-book examinations develop research skills and researching ensures that the student learns the information

 @BBC8G73answered…4mos4MO

i think it should be a multitude of tests spred out the 3 year plus the behaver of students but i do understand that bias would be a bigger issue if it worked this why but the current LCA is stress full and afull.

 @ISIDEWITHDiscuss this answer...4mos4MO

No, anonymous terminal exams are the only way to ensure fairness and prevent teacher bias

 @ISIDEWITHDiscuss this answer...4mos4MO

No, continuous assessment invites grade inflation and pressure from wealthy parents

Demographics

Loading the political themes of users that engaged with this discussion

Loading data...

More conversations

Join in on more popular conversations.