Open Book Tests

Tommy Towery

LHS '64

I'm keeping things simple this week. Here is the journal entry I made over 60 years ago about the day's events. Besides noting the work on my Science Project, I also noted a test I had taken. Again I remind you that names have been changed. 

Thursday, February 20, 1964

51st Day - 315 days to follow

Rain

Janice didn't go to school today, so I called Troy to come by and get me.  Had an open-book physics test today - the same teacher that teaches me physics teaches geometry to me.  Got a ride home with David F.

Laid down and slept a while then William came over.  He took me back to White's and I got material to bind the other book in my project.  Went over to Mama Towery's and picked up my Explorer pants she fixed, then we went to the store.  In a car this time.

Got home around 6:45 P.M., ate, then started back on the project.  Finished it, completely (for the written work), and put it all together.

Wrote in yesterday's happening in the book - I was too tired last night.  I'm pretty tired now.  It's to bed I go.

The concept of open-book tests messed up my mind when I was 17.  First we were given an open-book geometry test and then an open-book physics test.  How could a teacher test you with a test such as that?  What did open-book tests prove?  Anyone can find out the answers if you use the book.  I had always been taught that the purpose of a test was to see what you could remember, not what you could look up in a book.  Anyone can look up an answer if they have enough time.  I had come all the way through the Alabama education system, all the way to my senior year, without ever having an open-book test.  Now I had taken two of them.  That teacher was really different.

There are some things that you need to know in life that don't have to be memorized.  If you can find the answer, then you can solve the problem.  It really doesn't matter if you find the answer in your head, or your notes, or an open book.  The purpose of education is not only to teach you useless trivia, but also to teach you how to solve problems.  Sometimes all that you need to know to solve a problem is where to find the answer.  It sounded so simple and strange.

The true meaning of education was knocking on my door but I could not hear it.  The idea behind education was to learn, not to memorize.  If I could learn something it would be a part of my life forever.  If I memorized it, it would go away after I took the test and had no further need for the information.  It was a strange thing for a new teacher to come into my life with such radical ideas.  The high school seniors were having difficulty understanding his style and what he was trying to do to our minds.

Reflections on this entry: Do you remember any open-book exams you had to take some time in your life? The concept of open-book tests was new to me back in Lee High School, but later in my life, the concept would show up again. The most important time I would next face an open book test was when I was an Air Force officer. As a crewmember in the B-52 we were tested yearly on the operation and knowledge of the aircraft. One part of the test was a test of emergency procedures. It was a closed-book test and a 100% score was mandatory. The other part of the test was a 100-question test on the aircraft systems and it was open-book. While a 100% score was not required, it was expected and those who failed to obtain it were not favorably looked upon. 

The Wayback Machine

"Wonderful World" (occasionally referred to as "(What A) Wonderful World") is a song by American singer-songwriter Sam Cooke. Released on April 14, 1960, by Keen Records, it had been recorded during an impromptu session the previous year in March 1959. The song peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and hit number two on Billboard's Hot R&B Sides chart. The Sam Cooke version was featured in the 1978 film Animal House and gained greater recognition in the UK upon a 1986 re-release when it peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart, going gold.

I (and you should) thank Ricky Simmons and Barb Biggs Knott for their participation in my quest last week seeking memories of their first kiss. I was very shocked at the lack of answers from my classmates. Out of over 300 of you who get notified each week about The Traveller, only two of you replied to my request. I know every one of you had a first kiss sometime in your lives and I was disappointed by the failure of more of you to assist in sharing memories. I even left the question open and did not require anyone to share their name in response. The Valentine's issue was one of the most demanding work and research I have done in a long time. I know it is not right for me to cast disharmony on this group, but each week I keep trying to find something that might be of interest to you. What do I need to do?

Last Week's Questions, Answers, And Comments

Floyd "Ricky" Simmons, LHS '64, "How old were you when you first kissed a member of the opposite sex? (That, I do not remember.) What was the first name of the person you first kissed? (Don't remember that either.) Additional information to share? (I don't remember anything about my first kiss.  I do however remember, and will never forget, the first kiss with the girl I married in June of 1967 and share life and dreams with until her death in May of 2013.  Our first date was to her senior prom in May of 1964 and, as a result of my shyness and not wanting to offend her, my first attempt for a kiss (and successful indeed) was not enjoyed until a fraternity pledge party in August.  An as the saying goes, "the rest is history".)

Barb Biggs Knott, LHS '66, "How old were you when you first kissed a member of the opposite sex? (9 or 10) What was the first name of the person you first kissed? (Kenneth McBride). How old was the person you first kissed? (Same age as me). What was the situation that led to your first kiss? (We were both in 5th grade (I think it was Terry Heights) but can't remember if we were inside or outside at the time.) Do you have any additional information to share? (I consider him my 'first' boyfriend...he was a cutie!)