Why Tests?

I have been thinking a lot about what we went over on Thursday about test writing and test taking. I have never understood why someone would write a test and then teach you how to take it without learning any of the material. I have known people who have spent more time studying how to take tests than study the material they cover and quite often they would do better on them than most. So how can a teacher really test what is being learned?
Putting the ideas together that we brainstormed and reviewed in class I have come to the conclusion that the only way to really test a students knowledge is to have them apply it. In math this wouldn't be a given equation but a story problem where the student has to desifer the information and from it deduct what to do with it. In technology it would be an assignment given with specific criteria with out a step by step manual how it needs to be done. Dr. C's woods class I feel did this well. Dr. C was always giving test on the different types of wood and the machines but they only showed how good the students were at quick memorization. It was teaching us how to use the equiptment and then turning us loose to build something that we could only imagine and create it using those skills he taught. We learned not so much from the lecture but by putting the lecture into action and helping one another in the process to remember and perform as needed.
This takes us back to Gong's idea of a Learner/Teacher. As far as I can understand it is the best way to learn and the best way to teach others is by being teachable.
It has been interesting to look back on teachers I have had in the past and see their personalities and their desire for our learning show in how they acted and how they taught. It would always drive me crazy when I would have a teacher who acted like they hated their job. They wanted nothing to do with the students and only looked forward to going home at the end of the day. I try not to be so harsh knowing how hard a teaching career can be but as Geoff said at the beginning of this class being a teacher is either what you want to do 100% or not at all. If you are not all there for those you teach than you would be of more benefit somewhere else.
I cant think of any place I would rather be and that dose seem weird to me but I know of no other place that allows me do have the impact on others lives for the good as being a teacher does. I really just want to help people. The schooling wont do it for me I have to be the one to teach them more than just technology but to teach them how to BE and to truly live happiness. I might sound a little preachy right now but its the little things like respect for others, kindness, patience, diligence, motivation, passion, and love. That is what makes all the difference in someones life and what needs to be learned. Understanding the inner workings of a computer or the structure of an atom is something that life can be lived without but history has proven that happiness only comes from wanting the same for all around you.
I am excited to have the opportunity to teach the 6th grade class I hope we can teach something that will be of benefit to them in their lives.