Three types of assessments that are normally given by teachers are tests, essays, and projects. While all three can be equally challenging, one of them is certainly the least daunting when it gets posted on Schoology.
For most students, the most unenjoyable and stressful type of assessments are tests. Although they are the quickest to get over with, the overall test-taking experience is anxiety-inducing. Factors such as not knowing precisely what material will come up, the fear of forgetting something important under pressure, or, even worse, not having time to study, all contribute to the apprehension surrounding tests.
Despite all the stress, sophomore Jiayi Li said that she “would lean towards tests since it’s easier to see what’s right and wrong.” With proper preparation, tests can be relatively straightforward, though still not very enjoyable.
For students who enjoy writing, essays are simply another opportunity to hone their skills. Although essays don’t normally cover a lot of material, they require not only a thorough understanding of more specific topics, but also the ability to clearly and concisely convey the same level of understanding through writing—a task that requires a considerable amount of careful, critical thinking. Thus, many students may find essay writing tedious and time-consuming.
This leaves projects as the best form of assessment for some students. Projects leave room for creativity, typically involve collaboration with classmates and friends, and often allow more time for completion—all of which can help alleviate the workload and stress involved. Sophomore Shuchi Vanga stated, “I like projects because I have a lot of time to complete them, and I like collaborating with my friends.” Similarly, sophomore Izzy Li also said, “I like projects since I get to interact with my peers more, and it’s more fun to work with other people than to stress out over a test.”
Although all students have their own preferences and strengths, projects seem to have the most balance between assessing knowledge and creativity, therefore making them the most desirable out of all three options.
