Exams: All Part of Becoming a Teacher

This week students received their report cards for the first of 4 semesters. Last week they had exams. I've had many years experience studying for and writing exams, but now I'm on the other side. Finally a teacher, I get to experience the joy of creating, giving, and marking exams. On the one hand, I was looking forward to it, because this is a real opportunity to learn about assessment in a way that is not possible in a teaching practicum. On the other hand, I was dreading it. As exam week drew near, all I could think about was: 525 exams to mark! If each exam takes 1 minute to mark, that's almost 9 hours right there. But, knowing it was coming, I prepared myself and kept on top of things. I marked Monday's exams on Monday, Tuesday's exams on Tuesday etc, so that by the weekend all I had to do was mark the high school's exams. I thought I was doing ok until I realized I also had to calculate all their marks and fill out a spreadsheet for each class. Oh, and being the beginning teacher that I am, the test was too hard for the younger grades, so I had to figure out how to scale their marks. But by 5pm the following Tuesday, I had all the marks handed in to each school. Phew! I'm tired and I can sense a cold coming on, but I feel I managed ok.

There are things I thought I did well: I managed to create an exam that all students were able to finish in the time limit, it was just right for grades 6 and 7 (at least it wasn't too hard for them too), and I managed to get the exams to all the secretaries in time for them to photocopy them. I also thought to create a second version of the test (without the oral compenent) for those who were absent on exam day so the classroom teacher can administer it on a later day so they do not receive zero. I also know I am more confident as a teacher than I was a year ago.

There are things I will improve upon this next semester. Now that I have a better idea where each class, grade, and school is at, I can create different lessons and tests for grade 4-5, and 6-7, as well as differentiate between grades 8 and 9. I will also work at doing more assessment throughout the semester so the end of semester exam is not weighted so strong. I also have a better idea of how the school system works here and what the expectations are of teachers. One of the difficulties for me has been lack of communication. Being at 6 different schools with 5 different principals, things decided or shared on a day when I am not present do not always get communicated to me. So I am learning flexibility, patience, and forgiveness.  

One of the reasons I wanted to come to Guatemala this year was to get experience as a teacher. I am getting exactly what I asked for. Making mistakes isn't easy though, and the learning process is not always kind. But I am looking forward to being the teacher I've dreamed I'd become, although I realize that is not void of mistakes and learning either. Until then, I appreciate that the children still greet me with hugs and smiles. And every once in a while a student or teacher will thank me for teaching them so much English :)