Sir, – I find myself totally on the side of the teachers who in the interests of students are resisting the continuing arrogance of the Department of Education and Science in demanding teacher assessment of their own students.
I am writing out of personal experience. Some 54 years ago, I sat the “mock” Intermediate exam, which was then marked by our own teachers. Mathematics was my best subject and there were three separate papers. I had an excellent teacher, but one who knew of only one way to reach a correct answer to any question. I obtained the correct answers but was failed in each paper because of my methodology. I sat the State Intermediate exam some three months later and obtained marks in excess of 80 per cent in each paper. Two years later I received a distinction in mathematics in the Trinity matriculation.
This persuades me that the teachers who refuse to assess their own students for a State exam are acting in the best interests of the students. – Yours, etc,
Right Rev Dr
JOHN RW NEILL,
Bennettsbridge,
Co Kilkenny.
Sir, – Professionals such as lawyers, doctors, engineers, architects and accountants are certified to practice through training, examinations, accreditation and registration. They assess, advise, treat, instruct and make judgment calls on a daily basis.
If teachers wish to retain professional status as educators, surely they need to be confident in their ability to assess objectively a student’s work – whether it is a student known to them or one whom they have never met before. – Yours, etc,
ALISON HACKETT,
Dún Laoghaire,
Co Dublin.