Thursday, June 13, 2013

Vinnytsia "Window on America" Center hosted members of English Club with a discussion on Exams

Vinnytsia "Window on America" Center hosted members of English Club with a discussion on Exams. A leader of this activity Olga Polonets shared her own ideas on Bolonsky system. The participants discussed questions on cheating actively. Fulbright Volunteer Ann Ch. talked about her experience on taking exams. It is no wonder that Americans prefer testing to oral examinations where it is even impossible to think about cheating. Even when you take your exam in Spanish as a foreign language you should write your test. Miracle of miracles, but most of the attendees really enjoy passing exams. Perhaps, you are among those who don't like exams or vice versa. Let us discuss this topic with us. Moreover, you will get to know what it means "to cram some facts in a short-term memory".
Fun Fact of the Day:
The hottest temperature recorded in the United States (and in North America) was in Death Valley, California on Jul
y 10, 1913. The temperature measured 134°F (56°C).

Discussion:


1. How often did (do) you take exams in your life? Do you remember your first exam? How successful was it? Did you have fear or any other possible bad feelings before passing the first exam? Did your attitude to taking exams change with time? What exam was the most difficult or the easiest one in your life? When did you take your last exam? What impressions do you have?

2. If you are not optimistic and energetic, you will not do your best in your exam. Is it true? What is the secret of success at the exam to your mind knowledge, luck, of confidence and one’s own charm and charisma? Do you need a special concentration or meditation before your exams? Do you know any exam techniques, tips and tricks to be successful in it? Is it true that in the last 24 hours it’s too late to try and understand anything new? Does it mean that you simply cram some facts into short-term memory? 



3. Have you ever beaten anybody even in a single exam? Did you get interested in the subjects and started exploring them or just trying to pass the exams? Do you think that exams are 'time wasting mechanisms' at a primary school or really important for your future career? Have you ever felt yourself being more competent in the subject that the examiner? What were you impressions?

4. Have you ever written out a sheet with just the key facts to use on your exam? Do you have your own strategy how to pass exams? What is your opinion on cheating and prompting during exams? Have you ever practice it? What were the results? Do you find it as positive or negative contribution?

5. Do you prefer testing or oral examinations? Why? Why not? Have you ever tried to take exams abroad? Is it the same like in your country? Is there a difference in a mark system? Have you ever failed any your exam? Has your failure ever caused you to pay once more for taking a new exam (TOEFL, GRE, SAT, etc.)? Do you have a practice not to come for your examination? If so, what were the results?

6. Exams can be stressful! What if you don't understand the examiner? Have you changed your questions for other ones or with your desk neighbors? Have you experienced any tricks while taking your exams? Have you ever being an examiner? Did you enjoy it? Why? Why not? Have you ever given money (bribe) for any of your exams? If yes, was that your idea or did it come from the ‘other side’?

Schedule:

Saturday, June 15, 2013 at 10.30,
Thursday, June 20, 2013 at 17.30

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