Title: PISA's failure to test - the limitations of standardisation

Authors: Christian Okholm

Addresses: International Business, Copenhagen Business School, Jens Otto Krags Gade 12 1.tv, 2300 Copenhagen, Denmark

Abstract: This essay investigates the implications of using standardised testing as a measurement for quality of education at the upper secondary level. The dynamics of learning and the dynamics of standardised testing are analysed from a systemic perspective, as well as contextualised into a holistic view of the purpose of education. It is argued that the dynamics of standardised testing limit the process of learning, and therefore, slows down the development of quality education. Reforms are proposed to alter the current perception of quality education and a strategy to develop education systems built on sustainable values is composed.

Keywords: failure; standardised testing; education quality; learning dynamics; systems thinking; holistic view; process; Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development; OECD; strategy; Programme for International Student Assessment; PISA.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCLM.2013.057553

International Journal of Complexity in Leadership and Management, 2013 Vol.2 No.3, pp.185 - 197

Published online: 02 Jul 2014 *

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