The History of Exams: Who Invented Exams?
Do you ever feel the tension building up before an exam? Well, exams might make you a bit nervous, but they serve a purpose.
They help us learn and show what we know. Today, we're going to uncover the mystery of who invented exams. So, join us as we dive into this intriguing journey!
The Origin of "Examination"
The word "examination" has a couple of meanings. It can mean closely observing, inspecting, or studying a subject deeply.
On the other hand, an examination refers to a formal test that assesses a person's knowledge and understanding of a particular subject.
These tests are used for various purposes, from getting into schools and colleges to qualifying for government positions.
But who came up with the idea of testing people's knowledge in the first place?
The Birth of Exams in Ancient China:
Our journey takes us back to ancient China, around the year 605 AD, during the Sui Dynasty.
It was here that the concept of exams took its early roots. The Sui Dynasty introduced the Imperial Examination, a government-organised assessment test.
Its goal was to select government officials based on merit rather than birth order.
Those who passed these exams joined a prestigious group of government officials working under the leadership of Emperor Yang of Sui.
The Tang Dynasty further refined this examination system, thanks to Empress Wu Zetian, who allowed candidates from diverse backgrounds to participate.
This system thrived for centuries until it was abolished in China in 1905.
Exams Across the World:
After China, the concept of examinations travelled to other parts of the world.
In 1806, the British adopted a similar examination system for selecting candidates to serve in Her Majesty's Civil Service.
Later, in 1853, the East India Company brought this system to India, where it was used to select civil servants through competitive exams, regardless of their race.
The Modern Academic Exam:
While the roots of exams can be traced back to ancient China and other parts of the world, the credit for inventing the modern-day academic exam often goes to a German-American named Henry Fischel.
However, it's worth noting that there's some ambiguity surrounding his identity.
Some sources describe him as a businessman, while others claim he was a professor of Near Eastern languages and cultures at Indiana University.
According to historical sources, one of these two Henry Fischels applied the review system to the education department in the late 19th century.
He designed exams to assess students' overall knowledge of subjects and their ability to apply that knowledge.
This concept quickly gained popularity among educators and soon became a fundamental part of various educational systems worldwide.
Conclusion:
Exams have a rich history, with roots in ancient China and their development across different cultures and countries.
While there may be some uncertainty about the exact inventor of modern academic exams, they have become an integral part of education systems globally. Remember, exams are a part of the learning process, and it's essential not to let them stress you out.
Stay calm, enjoy your studies, and keep exploring your passions beyond the grades. After all, there's so much more to discover in the world!
Did you know that Michael Kearney is the youngest graduate in the world? He earned his bachelor's degree in anthropology from the University of South Alabama in 1994 at the age of 10!
Thank You Very Much For Reading!
