2008 Woodie Awards
Some students forced to cram for final exam preparation
By: Rachelle Kent
Issue date: 12/7/07 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
Students are realizing the weight of final exams on their class grades as the final week approaches.
Julie Fain said she is prioritizing toward the exams that can affect her grade the most.
"I'm focusing primarily on the exams that have more weight on my grade," said the Gaylord freshman. "At this point, they're going to make or break my grades."
Some classes are designed to have one big test at the end of the semester, while others are set up for many small tests spread out throughout the semester.
Many professors determine what kind of exam policy works best for their students depending on what type of class they are teaching.
"Our exam is 5 percent of the overall grade in the class," said Don Volz, temporary faculty member of the department of Teacher Education and Professional Development. "We value reflection more than detailed content. The students are required to observe in real classrooms, and that accounts for 8 percent of their grades, more than our exams."
Many students said they prefer many smaller tests than one or two larger ones.
"I like smaller exams spread throughout the semester because then I don't have to cram and memorize as much information at once," Fain said.
Some students will wait until the final day to prepare for their exams.
"I'm going out of town this weekend," said Troy freshman Nicholas Marckel said. "I guess I'll study in the car, or when I get back Sunday night."
Students also may be pulling all-nighters or sacrificing a night of sleep for more time to study for an exam.
"The sad part about it is that the students aren't building on learning," said Janice Huffman, temporary faculty member of the department of Teacher Education and Professional Development. "They forget the information within two hours after the exam.
"Students must realize that finals are a part of their experience in college, but they are just a snapshot of their lives. Move forward and continue to learn, even if you get a bad test score."
news@cm-life.com
Julie Fain said she is prioritizing toward the exams that can affect her grade the most.
"I'm focusing primarily on the exams that have more weight on my grade," said the Gaylord freshman. "At this point, they're going to make or break my grades."
Some classes are designed to have one big test at the end of the semester, while others are set up for many small tests spread out throughout the semester.
Many professors determine what kind of exam policy works best for their students depending on what type of class they are teaching.
"Our exam is 5 percent of the overall grade in the class," said Don Volz, temporary faculty member of the department of Teacher Education and Professional Development. "We value reflection more than detailed content. The students are required to observe in real classrooms, and that accounts for 8 percent of their grades, more than our exams."
Many students said they prefer many smaller tests than one or two larger ones.
"I like smaller exams spread throughout the semester because then I don't have to cram and memorize as much information at once," Fain said.
Some students will wait until the final day to prepare for their exams.
"I'm going out of town this weekend," said Troy freshman Nicholas Marckel said. "I guess I'll study in the car, or when I get back Sunday night."
Students also may be pulling all-nighters or sacrificing a night of sleep for more time to study for an exam.
"The sad part about it is that the students aren't building on learning," said Janice Huffman, temporary faculty member of the department of Teacher Education and Professional Development. "They forget the information within two hours after the exam.
"Students must realize that finals are a part of their experience in college, but they are just a snapshot of their lives. Move forward and continue to learn, even if you get a bad test score."
news@cm-life.com
