Arguably, an exam is one of the official methods of testing student knowledge in all levels of education. Exams are subjected to students in almost all learning institutions. In 21st century, a lot has been debated on whether to or not final exams should be abolished, especially, on science related subjects such as biology, mathematics, and chemistry. There is no specific age that an individual should be subjected to exams. The educational system that determines when and how students in colleges should undertake their final exams. Many people, argue that final exams in biology, and other science related subjects are relevant; however, some believe final exams should be abolished, or carry a certain percentage of the final grade.
Certainly, finals exams in biology and other scientific subjects should be abolished. The approach of final examinations is the beginning of tension, stress, anxiety, and fear among the students. Final examination, should be able to prepare biology and chemistry students towards the hardship, rather than sending them away. In most cases, if students do not perform well in the final exams, as expected by parents and teachers, they may contemplate of committing suicide.
Additionally, final exam does not test the ability of college students; this is because luck plays a vibrant role towards success. For, example, biology is more of practical than theoretical; hence, passing the final exam is not a guarantee of the capability to perform practically. In case, the final exam is necessary, it should account for only 50% of the total grade. Current education systems encourage cramming, and cheating. Therefore, most of the college students cram the entire class work, which is applicable in the final exams. This shows that college students in the biological and chemistry related field will not be able to reproduce what they were taught, because they cram, do the final exam, and forget.
Final exams are not fair; this is because it does not appreciate the hard work. For example, study shows that students who do not attend classes in colleges for a long time, receive higher grades than those who have attended class in the year. Colleges ensure that quizzes and assignments done in class throughout the semester should have approximately 50% of the final exam. Perhaps, final exam should be abolished because it does not measure all the characteristic of a good and successful student. Some of these unmeasured traits include, discipline, hard work, punctuality, leadership, and practicality. Biology students should have the above traits in the field, to be efficient.
Final exams have converted biology teachers to be exam oriented. They go through the syllabus, in order to cover all the contents for final examination purposes. They do not put into consideration the understanding of content by the student. When such students from the college go into the field, they cannot even carryout one biological practical in the workplace. In the process of going through the syllabus so fast, the weaker students lag behind, and become discouraged.
On the other hand, final examination is the only way to test the ability of students. The final exam makes the student to study the courses well, without exams no student can study hard. Therefore, it makes the students work hard, and be ready to face the challenges in the practical world. Additionally, supporters of final exams emphasize that final exam is unbiased and equal assessment method of all students in the entire nation. Final exams in the field of biology and other science related courses should have many practical questions, to test the practicality of the course. Final exams also help the educationists in analyzing the relevance of the college courses.
Conclusively, final exam should be abolished if it does not test or prepare the student fully. Final exams in mathematics, chemistry, biology, and other related courses should have many practical questions. Moreover, the final exam should carry approximately 50% of the aggregate marks. The course undertaken in college should be related to careers, and the companies relayed to the courses should tailor the final exams. In society today, final exams are more of a filtering tool, than a skill training mechanism.
