Learn This:
Did you know that the post-classical Chinese dynasties that we are studying developed standardized testing? That means that in some ways you can kind of blame them for the ACT, SAT, MEAP and MME...
You might have already read about this in completing your notes for Station #3. On page 324, the exam system developed by the Tang dynasty is specifically discussed. Its impact on the Chinese people (the Song and other dynasties continued using this system and it created the scholar-gentry class) is explored or implied in the rest of the section.
The Tang Dynasty further developed previous attempts at a standardized testing system in order to build a new bureaucracy to run their large empire. Those who served in the bureaucracy would have a great deal of power in dealing with diplomacy, taxes, and civil complaints. The test served as a way to determine who was most capable of serving rather than just giving these positions of power to the members of wealthy families who might not govern effectively.
The tests given during the Han and Sui Dynasties had focused on knowledge of morals from Confucianism. The Tang added the need for knowledge about classic writings and the ability to write well. They issued authorized versions of various books and poems that people had to study at schools run by the state. Our standardized tests focus on reading, math, science, and social studies while the post-classical Chinese standardized tests focused on Confucianism, moral behavior, knowledge of literature, and ability to write poetry.
Directions:
Consider what was tested by the post-classical Chinese on their standardized test and by our own education system to answer the following questions:
1. The Chinese standardized test was meant to prove that someone deserved and had the ability to
be a leader in the government. Do you think it would have been an effective test for this purpose?
Why or why not?
2. Identify a test that our education system gives to students. Do you think it is an effective test?
3. What qualities, characteristics, skills, or knowledge do you think should be tested by society?
For what purpose?
Did you know that the post-classical Chinese dynasties that we are studying developed standardized testing? That means that in some ways you can kind of blame them for the ACT, SAT, MEAP and MME...
You might have already read about this in completing your notes for Station #3. On page 324, the exam system developed by the Tang dynasty is specifically discussed. Its impact on the Chinese people (the Song and other dynasties continued using this system and it created the scholar-gentry class) is explored or implied in the rest of the section.
The Tang Dynasty further developed previous attempts at a standardized testing system in order to build a new bureaucracy to run their large empire. Those who served in the bureaucracy would have a great deal of power in dealing with diplomacy, taxes, and civil complaints. The test served as a way to determine who was most capable of serving rather than just giving these positions of power to the members of wealthy families who might not govern effectively.
The tests given during the Han and Sui Dynasties had focused on knowledge of morals from Confucianism. The Tang added the need for knowledge about classic writings and the ability to write well. They issued authorized versions of various books and poems that people had to study at schools run by the state. Our standardized tests focus on reading, math, science, and social studies while the post-classical Chinese standardized tests focused on Confucianism, moral behavior, knowledge of literature, and ability to write poetry.
Directions:
Consider what was tested by the post-classical Chinese on their standardized test and by our own education system to answer the following questions:
1. The Chinese standardized test was meant to prove that someone deserved and had the ability to
be a leader in the government. Do you think it would have been an effective test for this purpose?
Why or why not?
2. Identify a test that our education system gives to students. Do you think it is an effective test?
3. What qualities, characteristics, skills, or knowledge do you think should be tested by society?
For what purpose?