So, like the rest of the student population, I'm currently experiencing the stress, exhaustion, and pure hatred that comes with final exams week. There's something about studying one subject for ten-plus hours at a time that can really just make you hate, and I mean absolutely despise, that topic. In between ruffling through detailed study guides, semester's worths of readings, chugging down coffee, fighting for space in the library, and silently praying to the sleep gods for the sweet release of my bed, I took a step back and asked myself: what's really the point?
When you think about it, final exams are awful indications of learning. As much as professors will declare otherwise until they are blue in the face, even if you have done the reading, attended class, and studied for previous tests and quizzes, you're still screwed for finals. There's no way you'll remember all the information necessary. There's no way around it: you're going to have to cram. And, let's face it: cramming sucks. Fueled by so much caffeine your hands are shaking and high off your immense lack of sleep (and perhaps abused pharmaceuticals for some students...) means that after you take this exam, you're not going to remember any of the information. Within a few days it will all be gone.
It seems like the stress, anxiety, and overall unhealthy choices students make and experience during finals week are in fact more detrimental than whatever benefit they're getting out of it. When it comes down to it, I'm a firm believer that your work throughout the semester is a much better indication of if you "completed the objectives of the course" and "mastered the material" than one unfortunate test that everything builds up to. So, I have sympathy for the rest of you students going through this with me, and I encourage you to take a minute out of your studying time and think about what you're really working so hard over right now. And, just remember, in a week it will all be over...until next semester, that is.
No comments:
Post a Comment