The Effectiveness of Chinese Non-Paper-and-Pencil Tests in Grade Two Students of Primary School in Baoshan City, Yunnan Province

Oct 15, 2026

This study evaluates the effectiveness of non-paper-and-pencil tests (NPTs) in Chinese language education for second-grade primary students in Baoshan City, Yunnan Province. It examines how NPTs support the double reduction policy by alleviating academic pressure and promoting holistic learning. Implemented as an alternative assessment in 801 primary schools since fall 2021, the research uses questionnaires for administrators, teachers, parents, and researchers. Results show that over 70% of participants recognize positive impacts on motivation and development, while limitations remain in assessment depth and integration with highergrader testing methods.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages12

Reading Time30 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Introduction

Background and rationale of the research

Policy context and motivation for NPTs

Rationale from learning development and multiple intelligences

African Educational Research Journal Vol. 13(2), pp. 100-111, April 2025 DOI: 10. 30918/AERJ.132.25.009 ISSN: 2354-2160 Full Length Research Paper The effectiveness of Chinese non-paper-and-pencil tests in grade two students of primary school in Baoshan City, Yunnan Province Zhenglin Luo1, Saifon Songsiengchai1* and Ada Marie Mascarinas2 1 Department of Education and Society, Institute of Science Innovation and Culture, Rajamangala University of Technology Krungthep, Thailand. 2 Department of Undergraduate Program , Institute of Science Innovation and Culture, Rajamangala University of Technology Krungthep, Thailand. Accepted 27 March, 2025 | ABSTRACT
This study evaluates the effectiveness of non-paper-and-pencil tests (NPTs) in Chinese language education for second-grade primary students in Baoshan City, Yunnan Province. The research aims to assess how NPTs support educational goals outlined in China's "double reduction" policy, which seeks to alleviate academic pressure and promote holistic learning. Given the limitations of traditional paper-based exams, NPTs were implemented as an alternative assessment method in 801 primary schools across Baoshan since the fall semester of 2021. A quantitative research design was employed, including questionnaires distributed to school administrators, teachers, parents, and educational researchers. The study measured perceptions of NPT advantages, such as reducing students' exam anxiety, fostering engagement, and improving teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. Statistical analysis revealed that over 70% of participants acknowledged NPTs' positive impact on student motivation and academic development. Key findings indicate that NPTs effectively reduce psychological stress while promoting active learning and skill development. However, challenges like limited assessment depth and integration with traditional highergrader testing methods persist. The study concludes that NPTs offer a viable alternative to paper-based exams, encouraging comprehensive student development while addressing policy mandates. Recommendations include enhancing teacher training, refining test design, and improving regional, school, and classroom policy implementation frameworks. This research contributes to the growing field of educational assessment reform by highlighting practical and policy-driven strategies for more effective and inclusive learning environments.
Keywords: Effectiveness, Chinese non-paper-and-pencil, grade two students, primary school. | | --- | | *Corresponding author. E-mail: [saifon.s@mail.rmutk.ac.th](saifon.s@mail.rmutk.ac.th). | INTRODUCTION Background and rationale of the research In August 2021, the General Office of the Ministry of Education issued the Notice on Strengthening the Examination Management of Compulsory Education Schools, requiring that "paper-and-pencil examinations are not carried out in the first and second grades." This policy was introduced to alleviate academic pressure and Luo et al. 101 promote holistic learning among young students. Nonpaper-and-pencil testing (NPT) emerged as an alternative assessment method to reduce exam anxiety, foster engagement, and enhance students' ability to apply knowledge in practical scenarios. The drawbacks of traditional paper-and-pencil testing have become increasingly prominent with the development of society. As a form of outcome evaluation, these tests have limitations such as single test content, limited form of test questions, difficulty in evaluating students' abilities, emotions, and attitudes, and failure to show students' thinking processes or provide direct feedback for learning and teaching improvement. Given that children in the lower grades of primary school are in a critical period of development from visual thinking to abstract thinking and transitioning from game-based learning to standardized classroom learning, the heavy burden of paper-and-pencil exams is not conduci

FAQs

What does the study evaluate about non-paper-and-pencil tests (NPTs)?

It evaluates the effectiveness of NPTs in Chinese language education for second-grade primary students in Baoshan City, Yunnan Province, focusing on perceived benefits and impacts on learning.

How were NPTs implemented in Baoshan City?

NPTs were introduced as an alternative assessment method across primary schools in Baoshan City beginning with the autumn semester of 2021, covering grades one and two.

What were the main findings about student motivation and development?

Statistical analysis shows that over 70% of participants acknowledged positive impacts on student motivation and academic development, along with reduced psychological stress and improved active learning and skill growth.

Oct 15, 2026

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