Fun Facts About Education and Testing

Exploring the fascinating world of learning, exams, and how our brains perform under pressure.

Education is something we all experience, but few of us realise just how strange, inspiring, and surprising the world of testing and learning can be. Here are some fun, science-backed, and historical facts about education and assessment that might just change how you see the classroom!

1. Your Brain Loves to Be Tested

Did you know that taking tests can actually improve memory more effectively than re-reading or highlighting? This is called the testing effect—retrieving knowledge strengthens the neural pathways that store it. In other words, every quiz helps your brain build stronger recall muscles!

2. The World’s Oldest School Still Exists

The King’s School in Canterbury, England, founded in 597 AD, is believed to be the oldest continuously operating school in the world. That means it’s been running for more than 1,400 years—long before calculators, whiteboards, or even desks.

3. Online Testing Is Growing Faster Than Ever

Global online assessment usage has skyrocketed since 2020. By 2025, it’s projected that over 60% of educational institutions worldwide will use online testing platforms for at least part of their evaluations. Platforms like Laureate Online Testing are leading the way, making secure, AI-assisted, and tamper-proof testing accessible worldwide.

4. The “Multiple-Choice” Question Was Invented in 1914

The humble multiple-choice question was developed by Frederick J. Kelly during World War I to help quickly test large numbers of students. While educators have debated its merits ever since, it remains one of the most efficient tools for large-scale assessment—especially when paired with analytics and adaptive AI scoring.

5. Handwriting Tests Used to Be Common

Before digital testing, students often took handwritten essay exams under strict time limits—sometimes for hours! Now, AI-based marking can assess written answers in seconds, using algorithms trained on thousands of sample essays to provide instant feedback on structure, coherence, and vocabulary.

6. Education Pays Off—Literally

According to UNESCO, every extra year of schooling can raise a person’s income by up to 10%. Across nations, better education also correlates with higher civic participation, better health outcomes, and stronger economies. Testing plays a key role in ensuring quality and accountability along the way.

7. Cheating Detection Has Gone High-Tech

From biometric logins to webcam proctoring and AI behaviour monitoring, modern test security is remarkably advanced. Systems can now detect if a test-taker looks away too often, uses another screen, or even if a second voice appears in the room. Talk about next-level invigilation!

8. Gamified Learning Boosts Engagement by 60%

Research shows that when education includes points, levels, badges, or interactive challenges, learners are more likely to stay motivated and retain information. That’s why many online learning platforms now include progress bars, streak counters, and challenge modes—it’s testing, but fun!

9. The Language of Testing Is Universal

Around the world, testing looks surprisingly similar. Whether it’s a Japanese university entrance exam, an Australian vocational competency assessment, or a CEFR English test in Europe—the principles of fairness, validity, and reliability form the global foundation for credible evaluation.

10. The Future of Testing Is AI + Human Insight

The next generation of testing will combine artificial intelligence with human expertise. AI can score, track, and personalise assessments instantly, while teachers focus on mentoring, creativity, and critical thinking. The result? Faster feedback, better data, and more time for meaningful learning.

Final Thought

Education isn’t just about grades—it’s about growth. From the earliest schools to modern AI-driven platforms, every step forward in testing reflects our shared mission: to understand, measure, and nurture human potential.