Assessing Students’ Minds: Developing Critical Thinking or Fitting into Procrustean Bed

Abstract Standardized tests have been applied as student knowledge assessment in many countries, including Azerbaijan. However, studies shown that standardized are not an effective way of measuring students’ because they limit creativity and prevent instructors from applying individual teaching methods due to the pressure passing tests. The do consider students with different learning abilities treat them equally, which may favor some students. Also, teachers pressured ensure their pass tests, leading excessive focus on topics likely be set rather than whole curriculum. study recommends implementing no ranking memorize for eliminate competition, promote equality education sector. should allow debate, compare analyze ideas through critical thinking, inquiring, understanding learned into real life. Thus, importance inquiry-based curriculum is stressed.