In the education system, we learn and grow, for effective teaching and learning, exams play an important role. An examination can be defined as a test that checks students’ understanding and abilities based on the knowledge shared and the syllabus being taught to them. To stay on the right track and keep progressing to achieve one’s goals and objectives, exams help students in many ways. Most of the time we hear students hating and stressing about exams. Realizing its importance is the need of the hour. Let us discuss the benefits of exams in education and also some tips that students can follow to perform well in the assessments.
Table of Contents
5 Benefits of exams in education
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Enhance academic understanding of the students
Exams are designed in such a way that they cover all the syllabus or lessons being taught to the students in a particular class or course. To score well in exams, students study effectively. From actively listening to the teachers in the class, to reading, writing, and memorizing, all these learning skills improve the academic understanding of the students. Also, when they answer or write the questions asked in the exam, their knowledge, logical, and critical thinking skills are improved.
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Develop competitive spirit in students
In this challenging academic and professional world, having the competitive spirit to beat the crowd and be at the top is very important for every individual. Like games and quizzes, exams are also very helpful to make students more competitive and passionate about learning. Every student tries his or her best to grab high scores and grades. They want to become the class toppers and secure high ranks.
The exams act like a push or a pressure that develops the competitive spirit and zeal in the learners. This encourages all students to give their best, stay consistent with their studies and do well. However, teachers should make sure that there is healthy competition in the class. Students should not make unhealthy comparisons and there should be no space for jealousy.
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Proper analysis of teaching practices
Teaching is the most significant part of our education system. The way a teacher teaches hugely impacts their professional journey and the academic life of the students. In this regard, exams are very beneficial. The exam scores will help teachers to identify the academic understanding of the students, and find out who all are lagging. This will help teachers identify the effectiveness of current teaching practices and make necessary additions or changes. Using a learning management system, teachers can keep digital records of students’ exam scores and grades. Accordingly, check what the learning status is and what more can be done for improvement.
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An effective source for feedback exchange
For effective teaching and learning, feedback exchange holds significance. Exams are one such way via which regular feedback can be exchanged. Teachers should conduct both formative and summative assessments. Keenly observe how students are performing, what the qualities of the answers written are, and what are mistakes made. Now share with students their strengths and weaknesses. Tell them where they are lagging, and also share tips for learning improvement and betterment. Other than this, make sure you seek feedback from students too. Ask them what difficulties they faced in the exam, and whether they are satisfied with teaching or not. This will help teachers to make necessary changes and meet the learning expectations and demands.
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Make students more accountable and consistent
Accountability is very important to achieve one’s goals and objectives. To make students accountable, exams help teachers vastly. With the desire to perform better in exams, students listen to the teachers actively in class, make notes, and also participate effectively in discussions and activities. Along with quality classroom learning, students devote proper time to their studies. This makes students more consistent in learning. By using school ERP, teachers can easily keep digital records of students’ class performance, and progress reports.
How to perform well in exams
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Use technology for better understanding
Understanding the theoretical and applicative subjects from textbooks can be difficult for students. To overcome this problem, using multimedia tools is very helpful. By using online teaching apps and sites, students can access several audiovisual tools like educational videos, module demonstrations, picture cards, PowerPoint presentations, infographics, and animations. With the help of visualization, students tend to understand the concepts better and more quickly.
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Avoid excessive exam stress
Having exam anxiety is normal as well as good. It keeps students on their toes and helps to perform better in exams. However, excessive amounts of stress can affect physical and mental health and learning ability. Therefore all students should try to stay calm, composed, and focused. Avoid overthinking and fearing exams. Just keep giving your best each day.
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Sample paper practice
Last but not the least, make sure to solve sample papers and previous year’s question papers. Students should complete the syllabus on time and later practice these papers as much as possible. This will help students to get a proper idea of exam patterns, and types of questions asked, and which topics to revise, and cover again. Time management and comprehension skills are also improved with proper sample paper practice.
Conclusion
For both teachers’ and students’ success, exams are beneficial. By reading the above-mentioned information we can make out its benefits for all. We also discussed a few tips like using technology, staying positive, and doing sample paper practice that students can follow to do well in exams and ensure their proper growth and development.
