As we all know taking exams is extremely stressful and having just done two, I'm still feeling extremely stressed out as well as relieved that they are over. Having spent months learning the course and weeks revising intensively, somehow I feel cheated that whether I pass or fail just depends on a 3 hour exam. Wouldn’t it be nice if some of the work could be submitted as course work? That way I could demonstrate my understanding of the whole course not just the areas that come up in the exam.
A friend is taking a post-graduate qualification and whether she passes or fails depends on the thesis she submits for each course. She does not have to revise intensively, just work consistently throughout the year. I asked her how without exams the tutors can be sure that she had studied the whole course. 'They can't' she replied.
There goes my argument for putting less reliance on exams.
My friend was quick however to explain that as a professional she did cover the whole course, particularly since she would be required to know the information for her job. She’s right of course, most people studying expect to use the information and therefore know they must cover the whole course or they will only get found out later. This is certainly an argument in favour of course work however with the possibility of abuse I expect we are stuck with exams.
At least there were a few things that made taking my exams more bearable. I took my exams in Balham in South London. The hall was quiet and the padded seats were extremely comfortable (so much nicer than the usual plastic chairs). There was even somewhere to buy coffee and snacks. I certainly welcomed been able to get a drink, however I felt a bit too sick with nerves to eat anything.
With the results weeks away I can now forget about the exams. With the sun shining and my holiday to look forward I can forget about exams for now. It's a long time till December thankfully.
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