Thursday, May 31, 2007

Exams?

As I post this, I'm relieved to say that I do NOT need to write exams. Ha! While wondering whether my cousin is finished her college exams it got me pondering over the real value of writing finals. Reflecting at my own experience, I can only relate the emotions of stress, exhaustion, and impatience when it comes to exams (although, I hardly think there's a student no the planet who would have anything positive to say about finals).

I wonder: do exams really reflect the amount of material or how much a student has learned throughout the term?

When you give a student five exams to write after a long term of assignments, midtermS (they really need to take a look at changing the name of the term 'midterm' as some profs give 'midterms' up to a few weeks before the final exam), lectures and late nights studying - do students really have the energy (or adrenaline) to prepare and write for the biggest evaluation of the term?? I'm tempted to say no.

On the other hand, teachers DO need to do an evaluation on ALL materials that have been taught through the term.

My suggestion, if it were up to me, would be to have multiple smaller tests throughout the term or to have a end of term project rather than a final exam.

Anyhow.. this little thought has become much too long on this blog entry :P

Another update on my robin story. I FOUND the little guy. Well, saw him really. (I assume it's a him.. perhaps its a her.. who knows). Yesterday morning I was sitting there eating breakfast when I saw this little dude flying and pecking at my neighbor's car windows. He kept flying at the two cars - it looked like he was trying to get in. Then, during dinner time last night, I heard this little "knocking" noise on our deck window.. low and behold, the little guy was doing the same thing that he was doing to the cars!! Perhaps its not a matter of being attracted to the light as much as it's an attraction to his own reflection?? hahaha.. how funny!

I started working full time this week. So now, on top of a full time job, I've got supply teaching and Kumon. *JOY*

This afternoon, I'm attending my first education roundtable. I'm not even sure what that's going to be like. Senator Vivian Poy will be the keynote speaker - it shall be interesting. The topic is on asian heritage resources for our curriculum. I'm participating on behalf of CCANB, CCNC and for my own interest...(just means I need to make up even MORE hours at work as I was supply teaching yesterday..)

Alright. I have to get back to work now. Too much slacking.


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