Physics Alive is the podcast where host, Brad Moser, Ph.D., sparks new life into the physics classroom. Each episode supports and shares the many forward-thinking developments that have come from physics education research and inspiring educators. Brad speaks with teachers who employ innovative and active learning styles, researchers on the frontiers of physics education, catalysts for change on important social issues in the STEM community, and students who want the most out of their education.
https://physicsalive.com
episode 18: Reimagining: Final Exam Week
During final exam week, student activities groups across the nation provide experiences that will help reduce student stress. But in this episode, the spotlight is pointed at the high stakes, cumulative exams themselves, and the flurry of late semester assignments that generate these stress loads. Let’s reimagine final exam week. Are traditional final exams really a meaningful and appropriate way to end the academic year or can we create a finale that sends students off in grand style? Let’s consider some alternatives and why we might want to try something new.
Articles and web links from the episode:
Sleep and Final exam performance
- To Study or to Sleep: How Seeing the Effect of Sleep Deprivation Changed Students’ Choices
Two-stage exams
- Physics Exams that Promote Collaborative Learning
Kelly O’Shea’s Collaborative Lab Practicum
Epic Finales
- Should Colleges Rethink Final Exams in the COVID Era? Some Profs Try 'Epic Finales'
- Final Exams or Epic Finales
- Experiential Education on the Edge: SETI Activities for the College Classroom
Karinda Barrett’s Concept Mapping finale
General alternatives to traditional testing
- Berkley Center for Teaching and Learning
- And many others!