A lot of changes had been made in the way Bar examinations are given in the Philippines, aiming to innovate from the traditional style without sacrificing the ideals that have made this future lawyers' entrance test famous for.
The tests, as we all know, are in essay form. From a simple "what-is" type of question that requires a one-word answer to a more complicated, procedural question requiring a lengthy response -- all have to be written in essay using a thick notebook. Unlike other professional exams we've known or taken, the Philippine Bar Exams take almost a month to finish, and the results, within six to seven months.
Recognizing its "excruciating nature", the Supreme Court of the Philippines, who takes care of this job, has continued to be open-minded to suggestions of variations. So far, it has permitted for a True-or-False exam type and allowed two examiners for each subject to hasten the correction of booklets. Now, the High Court is bold enough to tackle additional changes for the 2011 Bar Examinations: the most talked-about Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) and Memorandum writing test.
On how this is going to be done exactly is still under wraps while the Bar Committee 2011 is still working with law colleges and deans all over the country. Schedules have been set for a trial run mid of next year, and the syllabi for the 2011 exam coverage have been disseminated and can be downloaded from http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/bar/announcement/index.php
According to the 2011 Bar Committee, the syllabus describes a "redefined scope" of the exams that covers "only laws, doctrines, principles, and rulings that a new lawyer needs to know to begin his practice, and was referred to the country's leading reviewers and lecturers before it was approved".
//rmis//
Yeah, I think the new guidelines would be fair.
ReplyDeleteerratum on June 10, 2011 2:00 am comment " if essays tend to be subjective" not subject. thank you.
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