Exhausted and tearful after semester exams, how can we lift students' spirits?

When students cry because of... tests

Reading the school's physics test, I found it long and challenging for 10th-grade students. Even the studious L. was confused; other students will probably struggle with this test.

When L. returned to school after the exam, I was surprised by her haggard appearance. I thought she was still in shock, so I didn't ask too many questions, fearing I might upset her even more. I just gently reminded her, "There are many things more important than grades." The lesson went on as usual, but my thoughts wandered to L., to the exam…

The next day, while teaching a group of 12th-grade students, I told them the story of a 10th-grade student who was deeply troubled because she hadn't done well on her physics test. N., a student in the class, said, "Every time there's a semester exam, I stay up all night worrying about 'failing' to be a top student." Recently, N. couldn't do well on her chemistry test, and feeling both sad and worried about being scolded by her parents, she could only hug her pillow and cry.

Students in various localities have finished their first semester exams and are now entering the second semester with the effort and determination to achieve good results.

Creating test questions that students can actually answer is the difficult part; creating tricky questions is… easy.

Assessment is a crucial step in the teaching and learning process, helping teachers, administrators, and students evaluate learning outcomes and develop appropriate methods for the future. According to regulations, assessment results are used to evaluate students, determine promotion to the next grade, assess eligibility for exams (high school graduation), and consider awards and commendations.

Achieving excellent or good grades reflects students' efforts, helping them affirm themselves and build a bright future. However, to achieve this, students need guidance and support from the school, as well as empathy from their families. Therefore, when designing tests, teachers need to carefully consider the requirements based on understanding students' strengths and weaknesses, their existing resources; putting themselves in the students' shoes; thoroughly understanding the requirements of the reformed testing and assessment system as guided by the Ministry of Education and Training and local authorities; and establishing a reasonable test matrix structure that aligns with the teaching and learning conditions of the school. Don't be hasty or overconfident, because creating tests that students can actually answer is difficult, not just "trick questions"—that's easy!

Students who put their best effort into tests will reveal information that helps teachers adjust their teaching methods for maximum effectiveness. Therefore, tests don't necessarily need to cover all content; instead, they should be selective, giving students more opportunities to develop their qualities and abilities. Later, when needed, they will be able to access, synthesize, analyze, and make correct, quick, and creative decisions.

Transmitting positive energy to help students feel confident in the second semester.

According to the 2018 General Education Program, students in grades 10 and 11 this school year who want to achieve excellent grades must have at least 6 subjects with a score of 9.0 or higher, no subject below 6.5, and all subjects assessed by comments must be satisfactory. If schools and families lack guidance, encouragement, and support, this requirement may backfire and cause stress for students.

Teachers and parents should use love and responsibility to instill positive energy and help students build confidence in the second semester.

ILLUSTRATIVE PHOTO: DAO NGOC THACH

At the end of a semester, in addition to praising and rewarding students who have achieved good results, pay attention to those students who need help to overcome difficulties and improve. Absolutely do not compare students to each other, and certainly do not punish or criticize them in a way that hurts their feelings. Guide students on how to study, practice, self-study, and use learning resources to understand the lessons and know how to solve various types of exercises, from basic recognition to application, and effective problem-solving methods.

According to the sample exam for the high school graduation exam from 2025, recently released by the Ministry of Education and Training, schools, subject departments, and teachers need to study, teach, test, and "rehearse" together so that students are not confused when the exam actually starts.

Handling the results of training and learning is necessary for the school and subject departments, but let's do it with love and responsibility, conveying positive energy and helping students feel confident in the second semester.

Parents shouldn't be too concerned about their children's less-than-ideal first-semester results. Instead, they should be supportive and skillful in helping their children overcome anxiety, insecurity, and sadness. Furthermore, parents should work with their children to build dreams for the new year and teach them how to achieve those dreams.

Source link: https://thanhnien.vn/pho-phac-khoc-sau-kiem-tra-hoc-ky-cach-nao-de-vuc-day-tinh-than-hoc-sinh-185240108100903733.htm