Standardized testing exists both in China and the west, and is a simple and effective way to gauge students knowledge and ability. It is also an integral part of Chinese culture. After all, one could draw connections between current examination systems in China, and the Imperial Examinations established nearly two thousand years ago in the Sui dynasty. As such, I do not believe that such standardized testing should be abolished. However, the testing system clearly has faults which could be rectified.
One of the largest problems with tests such as the National Higher Education Entrance Examination, or Gao Kao, is that throughout high school, it places emphasis on test-taking, not on practical skills and abilities that students will need after graduation. For instance, foreign-language, usually English, is a large part of the test. However, the vast majority of students cannot actually communicate with that language, other than to say a few rudimentary introductions and statements. Furthermore, because the focus of foreign language learning is to pass a test that revolves around reading and writing, most high school graduates comprehend little if any spoken English, and have difficulty expressing themselves verbally. It is does little good for students to spend huge amounts of time memorizing vocabulary that they will not and in fact cannot use after graduation. The issue of placing too much emphasis on test-taking also exists in the west, such as is the case with the American SAT Reasoning Test. Unfortunately there is no simple way to eliminate the problem, other than to change the format of the test, or to change the importance of the test.
Standardized testing is probably the best way to get an overview of a given students progress and potential. But perhaps other criteria should be met. For instance, in some High Schools in America, a requirement for graduation is the Senior Project. This is a long and complicated project tailored to each students knowledge, skills, ability, and interests. For instance, a student who is interested in music might compose and perform a new piece, whereas a student more interested in literature might write a book. Students are required to document the time they spend on the project, which must be at least 20 hours. The project also includes a long research paper, as well as a 10-minute presentation to a Board of educators. Projects like this shift emphasis from facts and figures, to more practical matters such as creativity, critical thinking, problem solving, etc.
Some critics say that eliminating testing will breed such problems as discrimination, corruption, etc. However, these problems already exist, and will exist no matter what system is used. The most important matter at hand is to foster a higher level of thinking among high school students, and that is something that preparing for and taking tests does not do. Tests should definitely not be abolished, but they should be reexamined. By shifting focus from answering questions, to more abstract and relevant skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity, students will be much more prepared to become responsible citizens and productive members of society.