The midterm rush is approaching and I have about four midterms in the week leading up to spring break. Midterms are a pivotal part of the academic calendar, serving as a midpoint assessment of a student’s progress in a course. On the other hand, as a senior, I’m especially tired and sick of them and I believe the concept of a “midterm” causes a lot of unnecessary stress even before the conclusion of the semester.
One of the most significant negatives of midterms is the stress they place on students. Midterm exams are scheduled when students already have multiple assignments, projects, and exams because the school requires professors to input a midterm grade. The added pressure of midterms can lead to feelings of anxiety and overwhelmedness. Furthermore, when midterms are scheduled too close together, students may not have adequate time to prepare, adding to their stress levels.
Additionally, a midterm is relatively comprehensive (depending on the course), and in my opinion, it should be done differently than increasing the weight of the grade on this mid-semester test. It could be much simpler with each relative section of material being broken up and focused on through alternative teaching methods rather than a cumulative test that delves into every topic studied. This puts stress on the students to know everything that has been discussed in the first half of the semester in the midst of other exams and projects. It should always be the final exam that forces you to break down the wall of what you learned the past semester. Midway through the semester should not be even close to “make or break” even though some professors and/or the school itself weighs it that way.
One of the main benefits of replacing midterm exams is that it allows for more flexibility in the types of tests used. Alternative assessments, such as section-by-section quizzes, can be tailored to aid the specific course and learning outcomes. This can be helpful in splitting up the material and challenging the student’s knowledge in a unique, but necessary way.
Another benefit of alternative assessments is that they can promote more meaningful learning experiences. Midterm exams may encourage students to focus on broad memorization rather than a deeper understanding of the material. Alternative assessments, such as group projects or case studies, help encourage students to work collaboratively and apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios. It is important to note that replacing midterm exams does not mean eliminating assessments altogether. It is necessary to have some form of assessment to ensure that students are grasping the course material and making progress. However, alternative assessments can be used at the same time as traditional section-by-section exams to create a more comprehensive evaluation of a student’s progress.
Finally, it is important to consider the impact that replacing midterm exams could potentially have on student success. When students are overly stressed and overwhelmed, their academics can suffer. As a result, it may be advantageous for professors and the school to focus less on a midpoint progress check. Instead, they can build off their material each week, and they can utilize different methods to help academic growth. As a result, the possibility of having more than three cumulative exams across all courses does not have to happen and you can have more peace.
