A student’s representative messaged me asking me if I have the answers to the last year exam questions. My reply: “I was not around last year so I don’t know and don’t have the questions and answers. I was at school. One whole year“
I vividly remember the class which I took with Joe Denver (nickname that Dr Joharry Othman uses). One of his class assignments was to research about the examples of teaching to the test practice. Since knowing the impact of teaching to the test on students i.e. it makes students “good test takers but lousy learners“, I determine to minimise any learning activity that would lead to that. Of course, sometimes in a good faith you give students learning activities to enhance their understanding but giving too much questions like quizzes, past year exam questions etc. might lead to “teaching to the test” phenomenon.
I don’t want to be an advocate for this practice in honour of what Dr Joe has taught me. I would disrespect him if I go against what he has taught me before. I don’t want to do that to my teachers. So, I will not give too much questions that students can practice through drill-and-grill method. NEVER! In sha Allah