The Good And Bad Of Exams

It is the time of the year. Students all over the world and Singapore are gearing up in preparation for their year-end examinations, and it is common to hear about the stress they feel during this period of time.

Since 2019, schools have been doing away with mid-year exams at some level. There are even some debates whether we should do away with exams altogether. Is exams good or bad? In my opinion, there are advantages and disadvantages of exams.

The Good

It is universally accepted that exams are a good way of measuring a student's grasp of the material they have been taught over a period of time, usually a semester or a year. Exams can also motivate students to study more and pay attention in class.

Helps to measure understanding

Exams can be stressful, but they can also be a good way to measure how much you have learned and understood over the course of a semester. They can help you identify areas where you need to study more, and they can motivate you to keep up with the material throughout the semester so that you are prepared come exam time. Exams can also give you a sense of accomplishment when you do well.

Encourages students to study

Exams can be a good way to encourage students to study, as they know they will be tested on the material. This can lead to better understanding and retention of the information. Exams can also help identify which students need more help, so that teachers can provide them with extra support.

May identify areas where the student needs help

While exams may feel like they are more work than they are worth, it is important to remember that they do have some benefits. Exams can help identify areas where a student needs help and give the student a chance to practice their test-taking skills. Additionally, exams can motivate students to study more and learn the material more thoroughly.

The Bad

However, exams also have some drawbacks. The stress of exams can lead to anxiety and poor performance. Additionally, exams can be unfair to students who do not test well or who have different learning styles.

May cause students to cram

While exams may club together all the topics taught in a semester and test a student’s understanding of them, it also has its negative aspects. A lot of students cram before an exam, trying to fit in last minute studying. This is not an effective way to study and usually results in poor grades. Cramming also puts a lot of unnecessary stress on students who are already under pressure.

May be stressful

Anxiety and stress are common reactions to exams. For some people, the pressure of an exam can be so intense that it interferes with their ability to think clearly and perform to the best of their abilities. Some students may even feel like they are going to faint or have a heart attack.

May not accurately measure understanding

Exams can test a student’s ability to recall information, but they may not accurately measure a student’s understanding of the material. In addition, exams often emphasize memorization over understanding. As a result, students may learn to regurgitate information instead of learning how to apply it.

The Verdict

Exams are an essential part of the academic process. They are a necessary evil. They stress us out, make us lose sleep and cause general mayhem in our lives. But despite all of that, we cannot escape them. By taking the right steps and being prepared, we can make the exam process much easier.

1. Give yourself enough time to study: Cramming the night before an exam is not likely to lead to success. Instead, start studying early and give yourself ample time to review the material.
2. Create a study schedule: Once you have an idea of how much time you need to study, create a schedule that will help you use your time effectively. Include breaks in your schedule so that you can keep your energy up and avoid burnout.
3. Know what format the exam will take: If possible, find out what format the exam will take ahead of time. This way, you can focus your studies on the appropriate material. For example, if you know the exam will be multiple choice, there is no need to spend time memorizing definitions.
4. Make use of study aids: Study aids such as flashcards and textbooks can be helpful in mastering material for an exam. Use them in conjunction with other studying methods such as lectures and class notes.
5. Take practice exams: In addition to review aides, taking practice exams can also help you prepare for an upcoming test. Practice exams can give you insight into what types of questions are likely to be on the real thing and how much time you should budget for each question.

Exams are important because they are one of the most effective ways to assess a student's knowledge and understanding of a subject. They provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate their skills and abilities, and to receive feedback on their performance.

As we move on in life to the working force, we will learn about the skills we never learn in school. There may not be an official exam, but I believe it is crucial for us to have a regular review to assess our life and financial situation.

Book an appointment with me to do your review today to make sure we are on track to our goals regardless of the market and medical circumstances.