National Exam: False Resilience or Quality Measure?
Aep Syaefullah
Senior Sales & Education Program Manager | Strategic Planning & Implementation | EdTech Go-To-Market Expert
In a thought-provoking podcast episode by the Pusat Studi Pendidikan dan Kebijakan (PSPK), Executive Director Ibu Nisa Felicia sat down with Ibu Itje Chodidjah, a long-time education advocate and member of PSPK’s expert panel, to revisit the ongoing debate surrounding the return of Indonesia's National Exam (Ujian Nasional/UN). Their candid discussion shed light on the controversies, misconceptions, and the broader implications of this much-debated assessment.
A Heated Revival: Why Is the National Exam Back on the Table?
Proponents of the National Exam argue that it fosters grit and perseverance in students. The idea is that a high-stakes exam prepares children for real-world challenges, pushing them to develop strategies, discipline, and self-reliance.
However, Ibu Itje Chodidjah strongly disagrees. She describes this argument as oversimplified and misleading, calling it a form of 'false resilience.' According to her, genuine resilience isn't built through a single stressful event like a national exam but rather through consistent, meaningful learning experiences over time.
“True grit,” she emphasizes, “is nurtured from early childhood and reinforced throughout a child’s entire education not crammed into the weeks leading up to a high-pressure test.
National Assessment (AN) vs. National Exam (UN): A Smarter Way Forward?
The discussion highlighted the stark contrasts between the National Assessment (Assesmen Nasional/AN) and the National Exam. AN, introduced as a modern alternative, aims to provide a more comprehensive picture of the education system's health by assessing:
On the other hand, the National Exam has historically focused on determining individual graduation a flawed approach, as Ibu Itje argues, because it overlooks systemic issues and perpetuates inequalities. Schools with vastly different resources and environments are held to the same standards, often penalizing marginalized students.
The Human Cost of High-Stakes Testing
The return of the National Exam raises pressing concerns about its impact:
More disturbingly, the high stakes of UN can have lasting psychological effects on students. Many experience severe anxiety, self-doubt, and even a loss of interest in learning altogether.
Learning for Life, Not for a Test
The heart of the debate lies in what we, as a society, want from education. Should it focus on lifelong learning, equipping students with the skills and character to adapt in an ever-changing world? Or should it prioritize short-term milestones like test scores?
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Globally, there is a clear trend away from high-stakes testing. Many countries have shifted toward models like AN that emphasize skill-building, collaboration, and adaptability—qualities essential in today’s technology-driven era.
As Ibu Itje Chodidjah eloquently puts it, 'Education must prepare students not to compete with technology, but to leverage it for meaningful and productive lives.
Takeaways for Leaders and Educators
This debate offers valuable lessons for professionals, especially those responsible for developing young talent:
1. Prioritize Competence Over Credentials: Like a test score, a polished resume is not always an accurate reflection of capability. Focus on skills and growth potential.
2. Foster Resilience Over Time: True resilience is built through sustained effort, not a single event. Apply this principle in your workplace to develop strong, adaptable teams.
3. Champion Equity: Whether in education or business, strive to level the playing field by addressing systemic challenges.
Closing Thoughts: Building a Better Future
As Indonesia reconsiders the role of the National Exam, it’s an opportunity to reflect on our values. Do we continue chasing metrics that offer a narrow view of success? Or do we embrace approaches like the National Assessment, which aim to foster equity, competency, and long-term growth?
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Thank you
Aep Syaefullah
Executive Director at PSPK
3 个月Thank you for amplifying our messages about the detrimental effects of high-stake test on our education system. Knowing that national exam has a great influence on the whole learning, the reflection is important, I really hope the policymakers ponder that question before making the decisions about Ujian Nasional.