The pressure of the Leaving Cert is causing burnout among students.
A new ESRI study has spoken to students, parents and teachers at more than 40 secondary schools.
Students who took part in the study said the leaving cert "crushed their creativity" because exams rewarded those who could learn off and regurgitate things onto a page.
The reports findings will inform the National Council for Curriculum and Assessments review of senior cycle education.
Teachers reported that time pressure was leading to rote learning and "teaching to the test" which they felt was having a negative impact on student motivation and stress levels.
When asked how the the system could be changed, The Irish Times reports that students suggested they should have fewer subjects but a greater choice of subjects that suited their abilities.
