As the semester comes to an end, students and teachers everywhere feel the same mix of pressure, exhaustion, and determination that signals one thing: final exams have arrived. Final exams are more than just tests. They are a defining moment that challenges students to demonstrate everything they have learned throughout the term.  “Finals are an effective way to measure the overall learning of content and skills by students for the duration of the semester. Retention of information and skills is a priority for educators, and having a final exam to demonstrate this is helpful.”- Mr. Drake 

Final exam season brings intense pressure not only for students preparing for tests, but also for teachers responsible for creating, administering, and grading those exams. Teachers from Menomonie High School have expressed that finals are both not stressful and stressful for teachers. One of our English teachers, Mr. Collins, said, “Yes. It is difficult wrapping up the semester, and the finals add to the stress. The stress comes from the timeline. The timeline with the quick turnaround after winter break, and all the grades being due the following week. It takes time to grade the finals, enter the grades – plus, all the late work assignments turned in at the end. And we need to prepare for all new classes.” Teachers have expressed that the timeline is more stressful for them, and getting the exams graded. Taking the actual exam is more stressful for students than teachers. 

Finals place intense pressure on students. Testing not only their knowledge but also their ability to manage stress. Which can be hard for some students. Managing stress and school is one of the hardest things to do for students. It puts lots of pressure on them. At Menomonie High School, most but not all students stress about finals. Students really stress about a class they might not do well in, and are worried about that class. Most students have reported that Math is the class they are most stressed about for finals.