With the end of the year approaching, warm Christmas holidays are right around the corner. But Lambert students know all too well that the end of the year is a sign of daunting midterms. Studying late nights for last-minute review, filling out pages of study guides and trying to organize a semester’s worth of notes. The question arises: Are Midterm exams an efficient way of testing?
Midterms at Lambert are scaled as a double summative grade, and there is no way of retesting or doing any recovery for these exams. Many students feel immense pressure during these times, trying to cram a semester’s worth of information for numerous subject tests. While other classes, such as fine arts, may have other ways of taking these grades, the majority of academic subjects use the typical testing method.
“For midterms, I personally think that they should count as one summative grade because it is kinda stressful to have a huge portion of your grade in the semester hinge upon one test,” Lambert Senior Shaomin Kee commented. “But I do think that having a midterm is really good for just making sure that kids learn the material from the semester. It’s a chance to review everything and test that knowledge.”
Shaomin believes that instead of midterms, projects may be a better solution. Instead of simply learning the information, projects would allow ways in which students can apply the information they learned through different representations.
“Projects might be better,” Shaomin said. “They may be more creative and can get students to really engage with the material. And maybe giving the option of a project or submitting a test can be beneficial.”
While it is recommended that students study in advance and plan for these tests, a majority of students procrastinate on studying. However, this procrastination does not stem from laziness but from becoming overwhelmed by the workload that comes at the end of the year.
Despite whether or not they agree with midterms, Teachers provide whatever they can to help their students. Making study guides, hosting Kahoots and organizing help sessions are just a few of the ways teachers ensure students can succeed.
Here are some resources and tips for students.
- Complete the study guides and review the material provided
- Get a good night’s rest the day before the test
- Set frequent breaks, and don’t overwork yourself
- Set a to-do list and make a study plan a week in advance
- Quiz yourself with Kahoots, Quizlets, and other resources online.
Students should remember to take care of their own health and mental wellbeing during these last few weeks. A midterm grade does not reflect their ability or intelligence in that certain class. Whatever the outcome may be, Longhorns should be proud of all they accomplished within the last semester.
