Arguments for using final exams to measure student effort:
* Final exams provide a comprehensive assessment of student learning: End-of-grade final tests can provide a comprehensive assessment of what students have learned throughout the course, including their ability to apply knowledge and skills to new situations. This information can be used to identify areas where students need additional support and to make informed decisions about grade promotion.
* Final exams motivate students to study and learn: Knowing that they will be held accountable for their learning on a final exam can motivate students to study harder and pay more attention in class. This can lead to improved academic performance overall.
* Final exams help students develop good study habits: Preparing for a final exam requires students to develop good study habits, such as creating a study schedule, setting aside time to study, and breaking down complex material into manageable chunks. These skills can benefit students not only in school but also in their future careers.
Arguments against using final exams to measure student effort:
* Final exams can create excessive stress: For some students, the压力of taking a final exam can be overwhelming and can interfere with their ability to perform well. This can be especially true for students who have test anxiety or who have difficulty with standardized testing.
* Final exams can be biased against certain students: Final exams may not be fair to all students, as they can favor students who are good at taking tests or who have access to additional resources. This can disadvantage students who come from low-income families, who have learning disabilities, or who do not speak English as their first language.
* Final exams do not always reflect student effort: A student's performance on a final exam may not always reflect the effort they put into their coursework throughout the semester. For example, a student may have had a difficult time with the material but still managed to study hard and cram for the exam, while another student may have put in less effort but still performed well because they are naturally good at test-taking.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use final exams to measure student effort is a complex one that should be made on a case-by-case basis. There are pros and cons to both sides of the argument, and the best decision for one school or student may not be the best decision for another.