As the end of the school year approaches, final exams are right around the corner. These finals are an annual academic challenge for students, preparing for the test itself is a long and gruesome task. These exams assess the knowledge and skills students have gained over the semester. Finals can also significantly affect students’ grades, accounting for 20% of the final grade. Behind every student is a dedicated teacher who works hard to ensure that their students are test-ready.
From developing effective study strategies to providing emotional support, teachers use various methods to guide their students through the stressful process of exam preparation.
“I always give students an exam breakdown which covers all the different topics they will see on the exam. I also provide a complete study guide to students. We spend a few class days working through the study guide together so I give students a chance to ask questions on specific topics they are still confused on,” math teacher Abigail McCoy said.
Teachers work to keep students focused and on task to ensure they absorb as much information as possible.
“I try to keep engagement in classroom materials high all year in hopes that students will feel confident and prepared to take the end of the year exam,” McCoy said.
Another educator explains that she begins final exam preparations as early as the first quarter, ensuring students have enough time to fully comprehend all the material.
“In my classes, students start working toward the final exam on day one,” Spanish teacher Ellen Buchanan said.
Teachers encourage students to ask questions about information they are unsure about, hoping this will help them feel more confident about the actual exam.
“I think confidence that you will do well is just as important as actually knowing the material,” McCoy said
Teachers also stress the importance of constant engagement from students, explaining that most information builds upon each unit. Making it difficult to catch up and understand when behind in class.
“Students are constantly practicing and reinforcing their learning. This helps to develop a better retention and a deeper understanding of the language, making the final exam less about cramming and more about demonstrating your mastery,” Buchanan said.
Final exams are an opportunity for students to reflect on their education and preparation strategies. They show them how much knowledge they have retained over the semester, and it is rewarding to see it pay off.
“You have spent a year putting in the time and effort to learn the class content- taking a final exam is the chance to show off all the amazing effort you put in throughout the year. Exams are your time to shine,” Buchanan said.
