What do exams really test in students?

(Back story) I had a discussion with one of our lecturers yesterday, and he was heaping praise on a course mate of mine who has been performing very well right from 100 level (we are in final year at the moment).

The reason for my question is that, this said course mate hardly answer questions or make valid contributions in class. And I have engaged him severally on topics related to and diverse from our field of study but wasn't really impressed with his depth of knowledge for somebody that has a CGPA of about 4.7 in final year.
Ask him for clarifications on some concept taught, and he only repeats what was in the note given by the lecturer or textbook, without his own input to show he really has a grasp of the subject matter.
Yet, I have other course mates that have a broad understanding on many areas of knowledge, but are not doing quite well on paper (grade wise) like this person in question.

What exactly do theoretical exams measure in our institutions?

Is it critical thinking? In depth understanding of subject matter? Or ability to memorize (cram)?

He probably has a retentive memory; the ability to remember what you read or what you're taught.

However, having understanding on other areas of knowledge is a process often accomplished through self-education based on personal interest.

Obviously, he would be better than he is (even better than you and your so-called genius of friend ofcourse ) at the moment if he steps out of his enclosed chamber (academic success).

Epositive:
He probably has a retentive memory; the ability to remember what you read or what you're taught.

However, having understanding on other areas of knowledge is a process often accomplished through self-education based on personal interest.

Obviously, he would be better than he is (even better than you and your so-called genius of friend ofcourse ) at the moment if he steps out of his enclosed chamber (academic success).

But you didn't answer the question.

Exams by the Nigerian standard is a summative method of assessing knowledge. Examinations are not a perfect measurement of competency as the style used in our country doesn't take into consideration the difference in individual learning styles and capabilities.

eljay22:

But you didn't answer the question.

What's the question again? remind me.

BruncleZuma:
Exams by the Nigerian standard is a summative method of assessing knowledge. Examinations are not a perfect measurement of competency as the style used in our country doesn't take into consideration the difference in individual learning styles and capabilities.

Thanks for your input.

But if our exams only measures ones ability to memorize and reproduce those facts.

Is that not a faulty system? Its no longer a level playing field, as it place those who find it easy to memorize stuff at an advantage.

Epositive:

What's the question again? remind me.

What do exams really test in students?

Is it critical thinking? In depth understanding of subject matter? Or ability to memorize (cram)?

eljay22:


Thanks for your input.

But if our exams only measures ones ability to memorize and reproduce those facts.

Is that not a faulty system? Its no longer a level playing field, as it place those who find it easy to memorize stuff at an advantage.

That is where holistic assessment of knowledge comes into play, you have to combine self assessments, formative assessments, summative.

Lolz....lecturers are always like that..encouraging LA cram LA pour......don't worry... After school..you will see who will make it better.....mistakes most students make is thinking academics is everything..after 1st class and 2.1..then what?.... People need to learn than there is more to life than academics......that is why most successful people though intelligent look at the larger picture..seun left oau and we what his creation has become..even the best graduating student in his set will probably earn at most 500k if lucky...seun wet be drop put dey make millions weekly.. Guys should be wise..I learn late though..but at least not too late

babyfaceafrica:
Lolz....lecturers are always like that..encouraging LA cram LA pour......don't worry... After school..you will see who will make it better.....mistakes most students make is thinking academics is everything..after 1st class and 2.1..then what?.... People need to learn than there is more to life than academics......that is why most successful people though intelligent look at the larger picture..seun left oau and we what his creation has become..even the best graduating student in his set will probably earn at most 500k if lucky...seun wet be drop put dey make millions weekly.. Guys should be wise..I learn late though..but at least not too late

I see.

I had my first and only carryover in my 200 level first semester which left me devastated. I later made friend with a course mate that had a perfect 5.0 cgpa in 100 level. And I learnt his secret, say na cramming win am.

There is nothing wrong with cramming though neither is anything wrong with academic excellence. My argument is that we can come up with a better way of assessment other than the status quo.