Finals week. One of the most stressful times for a student (or instructor). A time where students are assessed on what they have learned all semester or for a portion of it (something specific, let’s say).
I am proctoring five finals. Four of those will be in a face-to-face setting and one will be online.
I am so ready for Wednesday to be over. And while I am anxious about grading all the things and spending all day on campus tomorrow, I know that my students, and perhaps colleagues and friends may be feeling the same way.
Is it over yet?
If you are prepping for finals, gathering all your writing utensils to write out a final exam, or loading up on snacks so you can grade the mounds of papers, just know I’m with you. I see you.
I have taught four face-to-face classes this semester. It has been challenging. For each group, I remind them that “this too shall pass,” and “if it were easy, everyone would be doing it.” (Mantras, sayings, things I heard as a student).
Some have asked how to survive finals.
To that, I just simply say prepare. Study when you can. Be organized. Go through notes, tests, textbooks, and figure out what you need to study.
Use the challenging material first, then work your way to what might seem easy or less challenging (time management was the word of the day in some classes this semester).
And while students will still cram, pull all-nighters, and stress, I hope they know how much they have taught me this semester.
I’ve learned to be more patient. I am a pretty laid back person, but this has been a semester of firsts for some of my courses, a semester that has made me question my life choices (in terms of my career), and a semester that has made me consume more M&Ms than I thought possible.
I’ve learned that sometimes a lesson plan is just a sheet of paper, and that sometimes students just need you to listen, be there, and offer advice or suggestions. Sometimes students just need to talk.
I’ve learned that there’s a first time for everything. In my class I have had moments of “that’s a new one” or “I never thought I would see…” Times change, and I sometimes realize that I am more “old school” than I think.
I’ve learned that I am very lucky to have a job in a field that I love. Writing has always been something I have enjoyed. Despite the chaos that comes with teaching college students, working with adult learners, first generation students and even working on myself, I am blessed. I have a job that I love most days, and I have a great atmosphere at work.
I’ve learned that no matter how hard I plan, prep, or add new activities and assignments, sometimes students just won’t do them. Students have a variety of things going on outside of the classroom, and sometimes a reading assignment, writing assignment, or discussion is the last thing on their mind.
So as I do at the end of each semester, I take time to reflect and think about my time in the classroom. Finals week is stressful, not just for students, but also for instructors and administrators and secretaries and other support staff.
We all deserve a break from time to time. I can’t wait for mine. As Sam says, “Netflix season and relaxing is about to begin.”