Towards the end of every semester, LHS students cram lessons taught throughout months in order to prepare for finals. These last couple of weeks often carry anxiety and pressure among students. It pushes them to review old topics and theoretically further their learning. The amount of work required is not justified by the 15% impact on the overall grade.
The endless conversations about semester tests, late-night cram sessions, teacher reminders and general pressure give the impression of a definite benchmark, yet it merely reflects what a student knows at the time, regardless of efforts demonstrated throughout the year. A real measurement of how a student performs is their improvement and consistency throughout the school year. Students already take many unit tests and quizzes throughout the semester that teachers score. Therefore, one final grade does not show insight into a student’s abilities. Hypothetically, if student A has received positive feedback and maintained an A point grade, have they not demonstrated comprehension? Predictably, if student B does not turn in assignments and fails the class, they are less likely to score pleasingly. It is challenging to absorb enough information to perform well; neither student A or B will bring new details to teachers and staff. Consequently, finals boil down to another number in the grade book.
Even if you disagree, most students are studying to simply pass the test. The focus on total comprehension of the course is shifted to the memorization of facts and equations. Results come down to the students’ test-taking abilities and not their understanding of the material. Additionally, students can only receive feedback from their finalized grades. They are not given a chance to look at which questions they missed, which would allow for growth and improvement in weaker areas. With typical assessments, students can see their mistakes and hopefully realize how to not make them again.
The semester test is only 15% of your grade. As a student, it seems obvious to have a negative opinion about final exams. The last week of the semester should be a celebration of having made it to the halfway point. Nonetheless, LHS students successfully made it this far!
