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Clarifying that we view ‘final exams’ as scantron-like tests, similar to the SAT, the anxiety-provoking structure of these exams seems intent on bringing a student’s grade down
By: Squall Staff
Illustrator: Xavier Reyes
When you think of taking a final exam, it is doubtful that you – a DHS student – jump up for joy at that idea. Instead, what is more likely to happen is the mere mention of it will invoke some kind of adverse feeling. In The Squall’s recent survey “Does the thought of having a final exam instigate a negative impact on your mental health as a student,” of the 251 responses, 208 participants picked “yes,” and 43 participants said “no.” The Squall believes that final exams are overall a sour note in the harmony that is our school’s curriculum.
Firstly, as a clarification, The Squall classifies final exams as Scantron tests similar to the SAT, with multiple-choice questions that test the student on material that has been taught throughout the year. When it comes to the topic of DHS bringing back final exams, we understand that final exams can have a positive impact on preparing high school students for the inevitable exams they will take if going on to college. We believe, however, that that outlook only applies to the core subjects such as Math and Science as other subjects may be redundant or extraneous.
Another reason why we are opposed to final exams being brought back to DHS is because the concept of a final exam is flawed. With the way the exams are structured (the buildup of anxiety, the cramming, the actual taking of the test), it almost feels like they are more focused on bringing the student’s grade down. Of course, that is not the true aim, but that’s the impression that it gives.
Exams also focus more on concrete terms, which are information that, in the real world, you can simply search up in a second. As a solution to this issue, we brainstormed the possibility of restructuring the idea of final exams entirely. Instead of a monotonous Scantron test, a project or a final lab could combat issues such as some people being knowledgeable but bad at taking tests. We also talked about how it would make more sense for the final exam to be worth only ten percent of your grade as opposed to twenty. We understand the desire and push to bring back final exams as they can give high school students prerequisite knowledge and experience for college a core function of high school. That being said, we believe that despite this, there are too many flaws and adverse qualities that we feel make bringing back final exams not worth it.
Possible solutions we have come up with include lowering the weight of the exams, restructuring the idea of an exam, and providing more resources to assist in studying. There are pros and cons when it comes to bringing back final exams. On the pro side, they give high school students an introduction to what exams in college will feel like. On the con side, however, they bring stress and anxiety, it usually only negatively impacts the student’s grade, and it is currently formulated in a way that is nonessential for students.
Considering everything surrounding the exams, The Squall staff is against bringing back final exams to DHS.
