Who Invented Exams? The History Behind The Testing System

Do you remember in which grade did you learn about who invented exams? We neither. So here, we are going to look into this matter. We are sure they were not invented to stress out students, but for what reason exactly?

In this blog, we are going to look at who invented them, why were they invented, did exams exist before that. Read on to find out. Reading won't stress you out, after all, it's only reading. There is no exam after that.

What is an Examination?

Examinations are a formal way of evaluating an individual for their skills and proficiency in them. It also assesses the individual’s soft skills such as understanding of the subject, critical and analytical thinking, their ability to practically apply theories, and more. They are held at the end of the semester or term.

Examinations are held to assess if the student qualified to be promoted to the next grade or to be entitled to the title they enrolled for.

Who Invented The Examination?

The origins of examinations date back to 581 AD in China. The first exams were held in China during the Sui dynasty (581 AD - 618 AD). They were held to select individuals for civil services. They are called Imperial Examination.

Following this, Henry Fischel, an American philanthropist and businessman invented exams, a means of assessing students through an evaluation of the skills and knowledge they gained during their education. He invented them in the late 1800s.

Why Examinations Were Invented?

Philanthropist Henry Fischel invented exams to create a systematic way of evaluating students for their learned skills and if they qualify to be promoted to the next grade or entitled to certification. Through exams, the education system was structured, which made teaching easier, and for students course material was organized to make learning less complicated.

History Of Examinations - A Detailed Look At Who Invented Exams

According to the records, Henry Fischel is the inventor of exams. However, according to some sources, the roots of exams are found much deeper in the history of time.

This section explores how old the concept of examination is, how it evolved with time, and what is it now in modern times.

Ancient China

In Ancient China, during the reign of the Sui Dynasty, individuals were selected for civil services, from 581 AD to 618 AD. This was carried out through examinations. This is why they are considered the first civilization that invented exams.

Imperial exams were conducted in the form of written tests. The individuals were tested for their learning of Confucian classics, analyzing passages, applying them in case studies to solve hypothetical government problems, and writing poems. These exams were held under strict conditions, which were strict time limits, individuals confined to small cells, and these exams lasted for several days. The end of the Qing Dynasty in 1904 marked the end of this imperial test practice.

Europe

The first exams in Europe were held in Bologna between 1215 and 1219. They were oral exams in the form of public speaking. The students were given a topic to speak two passages on. The passages were assigned to them by civil law or canon law. They also had question-answer sessions where the doctors asked questions to the candidates or objected to the answers. After that, written exams were held in 1702, at Trinity College.

Exams For Civil Service In England

In 1806, England adopted the practice of conducting exams for appointing servants for civil service of the kingdom that ruled then.

England - Cambridge Examination System

In the late 19th century, schools throughout England requested Oxford and Cambridge Universities to prepare a standardized exam. These exams were held for male candidates only.

This is where the standardized exams took place and were adopted by other countries as well.

United States

In the United States, the first examinations were held in the late 1900s. The idea of these standardized exams was laid by an American philanthropist Henry Fischel, which is the foundation of standardized tests in modern times. This is why he is considered the individual who invented exams. Which has become the means of assessment in modern times.

How Do Exams Benefit Students?

The benefits of examination also encompass students. They are as follows:

Opportunity For Growth

Exams give students an opportunity to improve in their weaknesses and maintain or grow in their strengths.

Time Management

Through exams, students can improve their time management skills. They learn to set priorities and allocate time for each activity in their routine. This way, they can avoid the stress of last-minute tasks, which decreases their performance and proficiency in skills. This skill is not just beneficial in their academic life, it is also a basic life skill that is of great significance.

Self-Assessment

Examinations are an opportunity for students to understand their abilities and lackings in a subject. They identify their weaknesses and strengths.

Information Retention

Examinations are a way to practice the brain for improved memory.

Preparation for Professional Life

Exams are helpful in preparing students for work life. They develop their mental skills such as critical and problem-solving, and memory retention. Other than these, soft skills are also developed such as time mgmt and the ability to perform under pressure.

Improves Brain Function

Learning and recalling the information activates different brain activities which improves cognitive abilities and memory retention.

Who Invented Study?

Just like a systematic way of conducting exams was invented, in the same way, a systematic way of study was also invented. The concept of study can not be attributed to just one person or one group of people. It was not made all at once, studies have evolved over time by groups of individuals who worked on gathering knowledge and organizing it systematically and carried on to modern times by several civilizations around the globe, today known as “curriculum”.

Ancient Middle East

According to some sources, the first system of study was developed in Egypt and Mesopotamia between 3000 and 1200 BCE. They developed a study of mathematics, astronomy, and writing.

Mesopotamia is recognized for the development of studies of algebra and advanced mathematics.

Egyptians were good in disciplines such as medicine, engineering, surveying, and geometry. These subjects were taught by priests in schools.

Ancient Greece

Ancient Greeks focused on mind and body when educating their students. Their education system also included physical training. Along with that, they also focused on mathematics, music, and philosophy. The philosophers Plato, Socrates, and Aristotle were the leading individuals in developing an education system. Their focus areas were ethics, personal responsibility, and critical thinking. School founded by Plato namely The Academy was the center of mental development which became the foundation of the modern education system.

Ancient Rome

Romans were more pragmatic. Their focus of studies was to prepare the young generations for the responsibilities in their adulthood. Boys participated in an elementary school which is called ludus, where they were taught literacy and mathematics. Its purpose was to prepare them for their roles in law, administration, and public speaking.

Exams and tests - Difference Between The Two

Other than examinations, tests are also conducted during the academic sessions to ensure students can understand the course material before they enter the final phase of examinations.

What is the difference between exams and tests, read on to learn more.

Purpose

Test: This is taken as a checkpoint before moving on to the next topic in the subject.

Exam: it is conducted after course completion as a means of assessing the comprehension of the whole subject.

Scope

Test: It is based on specific topics and skills which are to be assessed.

Exam: It is detailed and the entire course material is covered.

Effect On Academic Progress

Test: It can be taken at any time during the semester or annual session.

Exams: It is taken only once or twice a year. It is a deciding factor in the progress of the academic year.

Length

Test: It is small and takes less time.

Exam: It is lengthy and takes more time.

Exams become a burden because in modern times in the modern education system, students are required to submit assignments and theses as well which is a crucial part of the assessments. Without it, students are not qualified to be promoted to the next grade. This is why there are qualified experts who provide the best online exam help. Students who are employed or have other responsibilities can take the help of qualified experts, who ensure the success of students.

Conclusion

Exams are the main part of any education system along with the curriculum. Without them, no student is allowed to move forward in their academic journey. Other than the exams, students in some institutes are also required to submit homework or written research work such as research papers. Students can find effective research paper helper to have their burden of writing research papers off and they can focus on excelling in their exams.