The Dim Bulb

The Occasional Musings of an Educator

by Michael Keany

#13 - December 30, 2022

The brain is capable of performing 10 quadrillion (that’s 10 to the 16th) “calculations,” or synaptic events, per second using only about 15 watts of power. At this rate, a computer as powerful as the human brain would require 1 gigawatt of power. Maybe a dim bulb isn't really as dim as it seems.

The photo at the left is the  Livermore Centennial bulb, the world's longest burning electric bulb. 

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Standardized testing is a common practice in many countries around the world, not just the United States. In general, standardized tests are designed to assess students' knowledge and skills in a consistent and objective manner, and are often used as a benchmark for measuring academic achievement or progress.

Here are a few examples of how standardized testing is used in other countries:

• In Canada, standardized tests are used to assess students' progress in reading, writing, and mathematics at various grade levels. These tests, known as the Pan-Canadian Assessment Program (PCAP), are administered by the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC) and are designed to provide a common measure of student performance across the country.

• In the United Kingdom, students take standardized tests known as the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GSCE) at the end of their secondary education (around age 16). These exams cover a wide range of subjects and are used to determine whether students are ready to move on to the next level of education or training.

• In Australia, standardized tests are used to assess students' progress in reading, writing, and mathematics at various grade levels. These tests, known as the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN), are administered by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) and are designed to provide a common measure of student performance across the country.

• In Singapore, students take standardized tests known as the Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level (GCE O-Level) and Advanced Level (GCE A-Level) exams at the end of their secondary education (around age 18). These exams cover a wide range of subjects and are used to determine whether students are ready to move on to the next level of education or training.

Overall, standardized testing is a widely used method for assessing student performance and progress in many countries around the world. It is important to note that different countries have different approaches to standardized testing, and the specific tests used and the purposes for which they are used can vary significantly.