Teaching to the test

Definition

Teaching to the test refers to a phenomenon where a teacher or instructor narrowly focuses the content and method of teaching with the goal of optimizing for performance on a particular test or tests. The term is typically used in the context where the test is externally conducted. The test may be a widely used standardized test or it may be a common test between different sections for a course in a school or college setting (an example outside academics is students being taught how to get a driving license by being made to extensively practice the specific driving route and maneuvers tested for acquiring the driving license).