N. Semchouk, N. Kourmyshev, D. Postelnik

Content :

Internet, web-site, examination, training, computer

Introduction of Unified State Examination (USE) is a significant achievement for the Russian education. At present institute of USE has many weak points, which are fairly criticized. What can make USE attractive to students, university applicants, teachers, parents and convincing for entrance examination committee?

1. Unified State Examination should be carried out during the whole year without vacation or holiday breaks. Students should have right to take the exam as many times as they need, and receive a certificate with the results each time.

2. The exam should be carried out without mediators (experts), in a direct dialogue of examinee and a computer with the following membership of participants: examinee(s), computer(s) on-line with registering center and organizer (state representative, controlling rules maintenance.)

3. Tests should vary greatly in level of difficulty – from trivia (framed by the school program with the difficulty levels 1,0 – 5,0) to very complex (difficulty levels: 5,7 – 5,9.)

4. A teacher should be rewarded for every “prize” (e.g. used for awarding graduates with medal – 5,7; 5,8; 5,9) grade, received by his/her students in Unified State Examination and included in graduate certificate.

In this situation significance of USE tests quality will increase greatly. A good test allows to indicate with a great extent of probability the level of knowledge practically in any sphere, with the exception of physical abilities and special talents (singing, drawing, coordination and speed of movements, endurance etc.)

As an example of such we can speak of GRE, GMAT, etc., that are carried out in a direct dialogue with a computer and allow objectively evaluate the level of competency.

In order to improve students’ training for USE, the tutorials should be placed in the Internet, which will allow examinees to get acquainted with the technology of exam taking, rules of work, materials of different levels of difficulty. This will eliminate stressful situations in the process of taking USE, significantly increase level of students’ preparation, which is especially important for those who live in rural area.

The problem of using Internet for preparation to the USE could be resolved in great extent because Russian Government made the decision of allocating financial recourses for school computerization.