英国A-level考试制度:实践模式、发展困境及改革路向
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摘要
A-Level证书考试的实施是英国证书型大学入学考试制度确立的标志,既是英国教育的"黄金标准",亦是诸多英语授课大学招收新生的入学准则。英国自1951年实施A-level考试制度以来历经多次变革形成了较为完备的考试体系。然而,随着实践的深入,英国A-level入学考试逐步陷入应试的泥潭,严重影响其社会认可度和选拔功能的发挥,没能为中学生向大学过渡做好充足准备。因此,英国政府借改革契机调整考纲要求、转变评价机制、变更考试结构,为A-level入学考试制度发展寻找改良路径。英国A-level考试制度在转变培养模式、增强甄选效能、助力高大衔接方面所做的努力对我国高考制度改革的反观与思考不无裨益。
The implementation of A-level certificate examination is an important symbol of the establishment of universities' certificate enrollment examination system in Britain,it is not only the "gold standard" of British education,but the enrolling rule in many English-teaching universities. Since the implementation of A-level examination system in1951,Britain has undergone many changes and formed a relatively complete examination system. However,with the deepening of the practice,A-level entrance examination gradually changes into exam-oriented education pattern,influence both the social recognition and selection,students can't get well preparation to enter universities. Therefore,the British government took the opportunity of reformation to adjust the syllabus,improve evaluation mechanism and change the structures of examinations,so as to find an improved path for the development of A-level entrance examination system in Britain. The efforts made by the A-level examination system in changing the cultivating mode,enhancing the selection efficiency and tightening the link between high schools and universities,are benefit to the reflection of the reform of China's college entrance examination system.
The implementation of A-level certificate examination is an important symbol of the establishment of universities' certificate enrollment examination system in Britain,it is not only the "gold standard" of British education,but the enrolling rule in many English-teaching universities. Since the implementation of A-level examination system in1951,Britain has undergone many changes and formed a relatively complete examination system. However,with the deepening of the practice,A-level entrance examination gradually changes into exam-oriented education pattern,influence both the social recognition and selection,students can't get well preparation to enter universities. Therefore,the British government took the opportunity of reformation to adjust the syllabus,improve evaluation mechanism and change the structures of examinations,so as to find an improved path for the development of A-level entrance examination system in Britain. The efforts made by the A-level examination system in changing the cultivating mode,enhancing the selection efficiency and tightening the link between high schools and universities,are benefit to the reflection of the reform of China's college entrance examination system.
引文
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[2]Ann Hodgson,Ken Spours.Beyond A Levels Curriculum 2000 and the Reform of 14-19 Qualifications[M].London:Kogan Page Ltd,2003:81.
[3]斯密斯.英国教育[M].夏邦俊,译.中国台北:开明书店,1968:5.
[4]R.J.Morrtgomay.Examinations:An account of their evolutions as administration devices in England[M].London:Longlnans,Green&CoLtd,1965:135.
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[6]Henry Latham.On the Action of Examinations:Considered as a Means of Selection[M].Cambridge:Bell and Sons,1877:148-149.
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[9]Ofqual.Reviews of marking and moderation for GCSE and GCE:summer 2017 exam series[R].London:Ofqual,2017:3.
[10]GCSE,AS and A level subjects accredited to be taught from 2017[EB/OL].[2018-06-12].https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/accreditation-of-gcses-as-a-levels-for-teaching-from-2017/gcse-as-and-a-level-subjects-accredited-to-be-taught-from-2017.
[11]Ofqual.New marking review and appeal arrangements[R].London:Ofqual,2018:1-2.
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[16][41]苗学杰.英国大学招生考试“一年多考”的制度设计、社会争论与发展趋势[J].比较教育研究,2015,37(4):64-71.
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[21]Warwick Mansell.Exams system faces its Waterloo[N].Times Educational Supplement,2006-06-30.
[22]John Sheehan.Economics in secondary schools:A review of the leaving certificate,GCE"A"level and GCSE[J].Irish Educational Studies,2008,8(2):206-216.
[23]Department for Education.GCE AS and A level subject content for economics[R].London:Department for Education,2014:3-4.
[25][31]House of Commons.A LEVEL STANDARDS:Third Report of Session 2002-03[R].London:House of Commons,2003:19,122.
[27]LSDA responds.14-19:extending opportunities,raising standards[R].London:Learning and Skills Development Agency,2002:2.
[28]Stephen Wilkins,Ian Walker.Applied and academic A levels:is there really a need for the applied track in UK further education[J].Journal of Further and Higher Education,2011,35(4):461-482.
[29]Manfred Wallenborn,Stephen P.Heyneman.Should vocational education be part of secondary education[J].Journal of Educational Change,2009,10(4):405-413.
[30]Ofqual.Vocational and other qualifications quarterly:July to September 2017[R].London:Ofqual,2017:1.
[32][36][37][47]Ofqual.Perceptions of A levels,GCSEs and other qualifications in EnglandWave 16[R].London:Ofqual,2018:18,19,20,24.
[33][35]Freshers'forget 60%of their A-level studies'[EB/OL].[2018-06-12].https://www.bbc.com/news/education-28014519.
[34]祝怀新.英国基础教育[M].广州:广东教育出版社,2003:88.
[38]Higher Education Funding.OVERVIEW:Permanent University Fund(PUF),Higher Education Fund(HEF)[R].Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board,2009:2.
[39]Universities crack down on A-level resits-Telegraph[EB/OL].[2018-06-12].https://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/universityeducation/8702888/Universities-crack-down-on-A-level-resits.html.
[40]Nurul Azureen Omar,etc..The Ideal Psychology Teacher:Qualitative Analysis of Views from Brunei GCE A-Level Students and Trainee Psychology Teachers[J].Asian Social Science,2014,10(12):184-194.
[42]Ofqual.Analysis of the Completing GCSE,AS and A level Reform Consultation[R].London:Ofqual,2014:15-21.
[43]John Higton,James Noble,Sarah Pope,etc..Fit for Purpose?The view of the higher education sector,teachers and employers on the suitability of A levels[R].London:Ofqual,2012:7.
[44][48]Ofqual.An Update on the Reforms Being Made to AS Qualifications and A Levels[R].London:Ofqual,2014:10-15,4.
[45]Ofqual.Improving science practicals[R].London:Ofqual,2018:1-2.
[46]GOV.UK.AS and A level decoupling[EB/OL].[2018-11-10].https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/as-and-a-level-decoupling.
(1)英国五大考试委员会分别为:(1)英国认证与资格委员会(Assessment and Qualifications Alliance,简称AQA);(2)北爱尔兰教学大纲、考试与评估委员会(North Ireland Council for the Curriculum,Examinations and Assessments,简称CCEA);(3)英国皮尔森教育有限公司(Pearson Education Ltd.,简称Pearson);(4)牛津剑桥考试中心(Oxford,Cambridge and RSA Examinations,简称OCR);(5)威尔士联合教育委员会(Walsh Joint Education Committee,简称WJEC)。
(1)在A-level考试课程中,模块指教与学的具体要求,单元指评价单元。学生选择的一门学科中包括多个科目,每个科目由不同的模块构成,一个模块对应一个评价单元。如:2013年牛津剑桥考试中心(OCR)高中数学学科分为5个科目:核心数学、进阶纯数学、力学数学、概率与统计。其中核心数学包括4个模块(C1/C2/C3/C4),对应4个评价单元(U1/U2/U3/U4),C1/C2模块为AS,C3/C4模块为A2。考生既可以在C1/C2中选择一个模块,通过U1/U2的考试后取得AS证书,也可以对CI/C2和C3/C4进行自由组合,取得A-level证书。后面所说的模块化考试也是如此,即学生可以自由组合科目模块,并允许通过对评价单元的多次考试来获取更高的分数。
[2]Ann Hodgson,Ken Spours.Beyond A Levels Curriculum 2000 and the Reform of 14-19 Qualifications[M].London:Kogan Page Ltd,2003:81.
[3]斯密斯.英国教育[M].夏邦俊,译.中国台北:开明书店,1968:5.
[4]R.J.Morrtgomay.Examinations:An account of their evolutions as administration devices in England[M].London:Longlnans,Green&CoLtd,1965:135.
[5]John Lawson,etc..A Social History of Education in England[M].York:Methuen,1973:257.
[6]Henry Latham.On the Action of Examinations:Considered as a Means of Selection[M].Cambridge:Bell and Sons,1877:148-149.
[7]Department for Education and Science(DES).Education:A Framework for Expansion(White Paper)[R].London:HMSO,1972:29.
[8]Patricia Broadfoot.Assessment,Schools and Society[M].London:Nethuen,1979:40.
[9]Ofqual.Reviews of marking and moderation for GCSE and GCE:summer 2017 exam series[R].London:Ofqual,2017:3.
[10]GCSE,AS and A level subjects accredited to be taught from 2017[EB/OL].[2018-06-12].https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/accreditation-of-gcses-as-a-levels-for-teaching-from-2017/gcse-as-and-a-level-subjects-accredited-to-be-taught-from-2017.
[11]Ofqual.New marking review and appeal arrangements[R].London:Ofqual,2018:1-2.
[12]Ofqual.Grading new AS and A levels[R].London:Ofqual,2018:1-2.
[13]Ofqual.Appeals for GCSE,AS and A level:summer 2017 exam series[R].London:Ofqual,2018:5.
[14]Ofqual.Reviews of marking and moderation GCSE and GCE:summer 2017 series[R].London:Ofqual,2017:1.
[15][26]Mike Tomlinson.Inquiry into A level standards-Final Report[R].London:Secretary of State for Education and Skills,2002:14,25.
[16][41]苗学杰.英国大学招生考试“一年多考”的制度设计、社会争论与发展趋势[J].比较教育研究,2015,37(4):64-71.
[17][24]Ofqual.Get the facts:AS and A level reform[EB/OL].[2018-06-12].https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/get-the-facts-gcse-and-a-level-reform/get-the-facts-as-and-a-level-reform#timetable.
[18]Assessment-Regulating GCSEs,AS and A levels:guide for schools and colleges-Guidance[EB/OL].[2018-06-12].https://www.gov.uk/guidance/regulating-gcses-as-and-a-levels-guide-forschools-and-colleges/assessment.
[19]Reviews and appeals-Regulating GCSEs,AS and A levels:guide for schools and collegesGuidance[EB/OL].[2018-06-12].https://www.gov.uk/guidance/regulating-gcses-as-and-a-levelsguide-for-schools-and-colleges/reviews-and-appeals.
[20]Special consideration-Regulating GCSEs,AS and A levels:guide for schools and collegesGuidance[EB/OL].[2018-06-12].https://www.gov.uk/guidance/regulating-gcses-as-and-a-levelsguide-for-schools-and-colleges/special-consideration.
[21]Warwick Mansell.Exams system faces its Waterloo[N].Times Educational Supplement,2006-06-30.
[22]John Sheehan.Economics in secondary schools:A review of the leaving certificate,GCE"A"level and GCSE[J].Irish Educational Studies,2008,8(2):206-216.
[23]Department for Education.GCE AS and A level subject content for economics[R].London:Department for Education,2014:3-4.
[25][31]House of Commons.A LEVEL STANDARDS:Third Report of Session 2002-03[R].London:House of Commons,2003:19,122.
[27]LSDA responds.14-19:extending opportunities,raising standards[R].London:Learning and Skills Development Agency,2002:2.
[28]Stephen Wilkins,Ian Walker.Applied and academic A levels:is there really a need for the applied track in UK further education[J].Journal of Further and Higher Education,2011,35(4):461-482.
[29]Manfred Wallenborn,Stephen P.Heyneman.Should vocational education be part of secondary education[J].Journal of Educational Change,2009,10(4):405-413.
[30]Ofqual.Vocational and other qualifications quarterly:July to September 2017[R].London:Ofqual,2017:1.
[32][36][37][47]Ofqual.Perceptions of A levels,GCSEs and other qualifications in EnglandWave 16[R].London:Ofqual,2018:18,19,20,24.
[33][35]Freshers'forget 60%of their A-level studies'[EB/OL].[2018-06-12].https://www.bbc.com/news/education-28014519.
[34]祝怀新.英国基础教育[M].广州:广东教育出版社,2003:88.
[38]Higher Education Funding.OVERVIEW:Permanent University Fund(PUF),Higher Education Fund(HEF)[R].Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board,2009:2.
[39]Universities crack down on A-level resits-Telegraph[EB/OL].[2018-06-12].https://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/universityeducation/8702888/Universities-crack-down-on-A-level-resits.html.
[40]Nurul Azureen Omar,etc..The Ideal Psychology Teacher:Qualitative Analysis of Views from Brunei GCE A-Level Students and Trainee Psychology Teachers[J].Asian Social Science,2014,10(12):184-194.
[42]Ofqual.Analysis of the Completing GCSE,AS and A level Reform Consultation[R].London:Ofqual,2014:15-21.
[43]John Higton,James Noble,Sarah Pope,etc..Fit for Purpose?The view of the higher education sector,teachers and employers on the suitability of A levels[R].London:Ofqual,2012:7.
[44][48]Ofqual.An Update on the Reforms Being Made to AS Qualifications and A Levels[R].London:Ofqual,2014:10-15,4.
[45]Ofqual.Improving science practicals[R].London:Ofqual,2018:1-2.
[46]GOV.UK.AS and A level decoupling[EB/OL].[2018-11-10].https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/as-and-a-level-decoupling.
(1)英国五大考试委员会分别为:(1)英国认证与资格委员会(Assessment and Qualifications Alliance,简称AQA);(2)北爱尔兰教学大纲、考试与评估委员会(North Ireland Council for the Curriculum,Examinations and Assessments,简称CCEA);(3)英国皮尔森教育有限公司(Pearson Education Ltd.,简称Pearson);(4)牛津剑桥考试中心(Oxford,Cambridge and RSA Examinations,简称OCR);(5)威尔士联合教育委员会(Walsh Joint Education Committee,简称WJEC)。
(1)在A-level考试课程中,模块指教与学的具体要求,单元指评价单元。学生选择的一门学科中包括多个科目,每个科目由不同的模块构成,一个模块对应一个评价单元。如:2013年牛津剑桥考试中心(OCR)高中数学学科分为5个科目:核心数学、进阶纯数学、力学数学、概率与统计。其中核心数学包括4个模块(C1/C2/C3/C4),对应4个评价单元(U1/U2/U3/U4),C1/C2模块为AS,C3/C4模块为A2。考生既可以在C1/C2中选择一个模块,通过U1/U2的考试后取得AS证书,也可以对CI/C2和C3/C4进行自由组合,取得A-level证书。后面所说的模块化考试也是如此,即学生可以自由组合科目模块,并允许通过对评价单元的多次考试来获取更高的分数。