SURPRISE QUIZZES! FAIR OR NOT FAIR?

ROWENA P. CASTRO

Who likes quizzes? I can say no one. Most students do not like taking quizzes. For years in teaching, that every time I give my students short written tests I have not yet seen any of them be feeling excited. No one. Probably because they are not ready. They did not actually review or did not really listen during class discussions.

Giving surprise quizzes is actually not my style. What I do most of the time is give an announcement ahead of time so to make them ready. But is it really fair or is it not fair to give surprise quizzes or short tests? Why would a teacher give unannounced quiz in the first place? Does a teacher need to inform his or her students ahead of time that he or she is giving a quiz?

Technically, quizzes are being given to students to check if learning took place. It is a tool to determine also if the lesson delivered is too easy or too difficult. It is also because the teacher is trying to find the areas of difficulty in order to take corrective measures. Giving the students quizzes whether they are ready or not, reviewed or not, they like it or not, it is always a part of the classroom environment.

Students get nervous whenever pop quizzes happen. For some students who come to class prepared appreciate it whenever pop quizzes happen. They feel proud and accomplished. They are confident. It may be fair for them. Yet, on the other hand, those who are not quite prepared may be feeling nervous, tensed, and even shy because they might not pass the quiz. They see it unfair.

Short written tests or quizzes that no matter how students hate them, still can be of use in order for them to challenge themselves how they learned the lessons in class.

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The author is SST III at RLLMHS, Balibago, Angeles City