“Laptops for English exam”, Mr Trent Davis, p. 24
Mr Davis advocates for the use of computers in English exams.
Referring to recent case studies as well as some common sense assumptions, Mr Davis challenges teachers and educators to recognise that it would reduce stress – both for assessors and students alike.
Appealing to values such as fairness, Mr Davis impresses upon teachers, students and parents, that typed exams would be “more efficient” and fairer as assessors could more easily “cross-mark” essays. Those assessors who know the difficulties and unfairness of cross marking are likely to be reassured by such a solution – that it does not depend upon “quality of writing”.
Through the use of a positive depiction of students who are “more relaxed” because of the “more familiar format”, Mr Davis impresses upon all educators that the well-being of students will improve with this changed emphasis.
Appealing to educators who are particularly concerned about mental health and well-being issues, he reassures (those educators) that technology will help to reduce the stress of exams.
(Statistics; formal language; comparison; alliteration; personal /professional observation ; common sense; cause and effect; case study; appeals to progress; health and well-being)