Understanding the Gap Between Class Participation and Exam Success

Have you ever encountered a student who excels in class discussions and actively participates in group work but struggles with exams? This is a common scenario that often perplexes educators and parents alike. As a seasoned teacher with 40 years of experience, I have witnessed this phenomenon time and time again. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this discrepancy and shed light on the importance of a holistic grading system.

Active Participation vs. Exam Success

Many students demonstrate their knowledge and understanding through active participation in class, such as answering questions, engaging in discussions, and helping peers. However, they may not perform as well on exams. This difference can be attributed to several factors:

Test Anxiety Comprehension Issues Lack of Essay Writing Skills Other Cognitive Factors Motivation and Study Habits

Grading Systems and Their Impact

Grading systems often incorporate multiple factors to ensure a more comprehensive evaluation of a student's performance. Many educators adopt a 'triangulated' approach to grading, which includes homework, labs, tests, and final exams. This system helps to identify students who may excel in some areas but not in others.

For example, an average B-student who is consistently active in class may still earn a B grade. However, a student with test anxiety might perform poorly on the first exam or the final. Conversely, a student who cheats may struggle across all sections, especially during hands-on labs and in-class discussions.

In my experience, a single-failed section can be overcome to achieve a B grade, as long as the overall performance is strong. However, failing two key sections can significantly impact the final grade and course outcome.

Tackling the Issue: A Student's Journey

One of my students, who has achieved remarkable success in my classes but consistently scores poorly on exams, shared an insightful journey. This individual, who had their hand up in class with confidence, struggled with test performance. Their experience mirrored many others who find themselves in this predicament.

Part of the challenge lies in the student's inability to effectively demonstrate their knowledge through the written format of exams. In their school days, they were praised for their class participation but faced difficulties in written assessments.

Identifying the Root Cause: Writing Skills

After years of schooling, this student eventually had to repeat Year 12 and pursue university studies in literature to identify the root cause of their academic struggles. They scored a dismal GPA of 72 and trained to become a teacher, where they encountered the same issues with written assessments and essays.

The turning point came when they had a transformative learning experience with the help of University Lecturer Joel Dando. Joel taught them the fundamental skills of essay writing, including the structure, introduction, thesis statement, supporting sentences, and conclusion. More importantly, he instilled in them the ability to think critically and engage deeply with the text.

Conclusion: A Holistic Approach is Key

Understanding the gap between class participation and exam success is crucial for educators and students alike. A comprehensive grading system that includes class participation and essay writing skills can significantly improve a student's overall performance. It is imperative that we recognize and support various forms of student achievement to foster a well-rounded educational experience.