Entry exams place more strain on high schoolers
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Daily News with wires
Oluşturulma Tarihi: Haziran 02, 2009 00:00
ANKARA - The university entrance exams have become tougher thus placing even more strain on already stressed students, many of whom view these exams as potential life-defining moments. A survey conducted by unions involved in the field of education reveals that most students are unhappy with the present examination system
A two-tier test system to be introduced next year for the university entrance process will make the already grueling process even worse, believe 42.8 percent of students surveyed by the Education Personnel Union, or Eğitim-Sen.
According to survey results reported by the Anatolia news agency, the union interviewed 1,100 high school students in the cities of Ankara, İzmir, Kocaeli, Samsun, Erzurum, Mersin and Kırşehir about the new two-tier system. Currently, students enter a single assessment test called the ÖSS. The constantly changing university entrance process has been criticized for years for failing to properly assess students. For much of the 1980s and 1990s, students took two tests, which was also criticized.
The survey revealed 68.5 percent of students prepare for the test through private courses, while only 19.3 percent said their studies at high school were their main source of preparation. About 8.5 percent said they went to private courses and received private tuition for the test. About 3.7 percent said they would not be taking the test.
The test is a crucial landmark in every student’s life for a good education and a career, said 55 percent of the students. About 32.2 percent described it as a life-changing moment while 5.5 percent said the ÖSS was key to making their parents happy.
The lack of options for high school graduates is shown by the result that 71.5 percent will take the test again if they fail to enter a university this year while 16.9 percent said they would study for the test again but also work.
The system of private courses, a sector in its own, has been criticized for years, with some arguing that the high school curriculum did not prepare the students to take the test, making it necessary for them to enroll in private courses that readies them for the multiple choice examination.
Seventy percent of students believed private courses are necessary to prepare for the ÖSS. When asked how many years they have enrolled in such courses during their education since elementary, 41.3 percent said one to three years, 40.8 percent three to five years, 13.4 percent five to eight years and 4.5 percent eight years.
Pressure takes its toll
The test that many consider a crucial stage in their life also presents mental challenges to students. A total of 43.3 percent said they were fearful and concerned over what their ÖSS score will be, while 15.6 percent they were under great stress. About 12.2 percent said they were angry and sensitive due to the test, 9 percent said the preparations had resulted in a lack of concentration and shorter attention span, and 8.6 percent believe they were depressed. Only 11 percent said the ÖSS did not affect them mentally. Twenty-six percent said they were experiencing sleeping disorders, 16.6 percent complained of headaches and dizziness, 8.9 percent of stomachaches and 1.5 percent fainting spells. Thirty-three percent said they experienced no physical debilitations linked to the test.When it comes to parental pressure, 52.3 percent said their families were not pressuring them, while 47.7 percent said they were.
The coefficient system currently in place that encourages students who study at vocational schools to continue their education in the same field is also criticized. Those who prefer to change their field of study receive a lower coefficient and results in a lower score.
About 69.5 percent of students believe the coefficient system is unjust.
Eğitim-Sen President İsmail Koncuk said the survey showed students were cracking under the pressure and believed the school curriculum failed to prepare them for the university entrance test. "The Education Ministry and [Higher Education Board] need to focus on introducing a more comprehensive and inclusive system," he said.
According to survey results reported by the Anatolia news agency, the union interviewed 1,100 high school students in the cities of Ankara, İzmir, Kocaeli, Samsun, Erzurum, Mersin and Kırşehir about the new two-tier system. Currently, students enter a single assessment test called the ÖSS. The constantly changing university entrance process has been criticized for years for failing to properly assess students. For much of the 1980s and 1990s, students took two tests, which was also criticized.
The survey revealed 68.5 percent of students prepare for the test through private courses, while only 19.3 percent said their studies at high school were their main source of preparation. About 8.5 percent said they went to private courses and received private tuition for the test. About 3.7 percent said they would not be taking the test.
The test is a crucial landmark in every student’s life for a good education and a career, said 55 percent of the students. About 32.2 percent described it as a life-changing moment while 5.5 percent said the ÖSS was key to making their parents happy.
The lack of options for high school graduates is shown by the result that 71.5 percent will take the test again if they fail to enter a university this year while 16.9 percent said they would study for the test again but also work.
The system of private courses, a sector in its own, has been criticized for years, with some arguing that the high school curriculum did not prepare the students to take the test, making it necessary for them to enroll in private courses that readies them for the multiple choice examination.
Seventy percent of students believed private courses are necessary to prepare for the ÖSS. When asked how many years they have enrolled in such courses during their education since elementary, 41.3 percent said one to three years, 40.8 percent three to five years, 13.4 percent five to eight years and 4.5 percent eight years.
Pressure takes its toll
The test that many consider a crucial stage in their life also presents mental challenges to students. A total of 43.3 percent said they were fearful and concerned over what their ÖSS score will be, while 15.6 percent they were under great stress. About 12.2 percent said they were angry and sensitive due to the test, 9 percent said the preparations had resulted in a lack of concentration and shorter attention span, and 8.6 percent believe they were depressed. Only 11 percent said the ÖSS did not affect them mentally. Twenty-six percent said they were experiencing sleeping disorders, 16.6 percent complained of headaches and dizziness, 8.9 percent of stomachaches and 1.5 percent fainting spells. Thirty-three percent said they experienced no physical debilitations linked to the test.When it comes to parental pressure, 52.3 percent said their families were not pressuring them, while 47.7 percent said they were.
The coefficient system currently in place that encourages students who study at vocational schools to continue their education in the same field is also criticized. Those who prefer to change their field of study receive a lower coefficient and results in a lower score.
About 69.5 percent of students believe the coefficient system is unjust.
Eğitim-Sen President İsmail Koncuk said the survey showed students were cracking under the pressure and believed the school curriculum failed to prepare them for the university entrance test. "The Education Ministry and [Higher Education Board] need to focus on introducing a more comprehensive and inclusive system," he said.