In the field of education the words objective and subjective
normally center on the issue of assessment. Most student’s educational
experience heavily incorporated and likely over used the objective approach
that focused one correct answer in the form of true/false, matching, and/or
multiple choice questions. Objective assessment is most common and probably most appropriate in Math & Science (although still over used in those fields), and the introduction of computer based assignment & study
programs have only further popularized the objective approach of assessment in education. I,
however, as a K-12 Social Studies teacher, was trained to use and prefer the
subjective approach on assignments and assessments (especially in English &
Social Studies) because I feel it allows the students to demonstrate what they’ve
learned, instead of dictating a prescriptive answer. This is done through short
answer questioning that may have multiple correct answers, or written response questions
about a specific topics or event. The subjective approach is better at
developing and encouraging critical thinking skills, fostering student creativity,
and at allowing content/curricular flexibility.
This is a space where UIUC SPI participants in the Summer 2013 Research Methods and Writing Seminar engage each other as researchers, intellectuals and members of a cross disciplinary knowledge producing community.
Using the subjectivity method in English and social studies makes sense and I am glad you were trained to do so.
ReplyDeleteIn my educational experience, it was always challenging in the humanities if your assignment was "to try and guess what a writer or interpreter is thinking" as an English literature professor once told me.
ReplyDeleteSo in this regard, I can certainly see the value of a subjective view in terms of education.