Independent external evaluation in the context of improving the quality of school geographical education

Abstract

The article considers an independent external evaluation (IEE) and its impact on the educational system in Ukraine. Evaluation process in modern education is the most effective method to check the educational achievements of pupils, and it requires constant improvement. The content of IEE on geography, the advantages and disadvantages of the test tasks have been analyzed. Advantages of IEE are the following: objectivity of system testing, the general level of higher education efficiency and motivating pupils to study subjects. Testing technology provides for pupils’ responsibility for learning, reduces the difference between the requirements of secondary and higher educational institutions. The main disadvantage of IEE on geography is the content of the test tasks. Most of the tests are aimed at the rapid solution of quite simple and superficial problems. But in geography it is more important to understand the internal content of the process than the ability to quickly perform calculations. Analysis tasks and results of testing on geography over the years have shown that these test tasks proved difficult for most pupils. It is proposed to improve the contents of IEE test booklets on geography and to complement the tasks by the illustrative content. There are tests which involve the use of maps, satellite images, images of geographical objects, as well as charts and graphs. The aim of these tasks is to test visual memory and spatial imagination of the pupil, an understanding of basic processes and phenomena eliminating the possibility of a superficial solution to the task. This form of job can be used to test the notebooks of IEE on geography, and also for independent preparation of pupils.