Why waste our free time making us do boring coursework. Why not just put it all in an exam, so it's easier and no one can cheat... 
What's the point in coursework?
Just because you find coursework boring, doesn't mean everyone else does.
Some people find it easier to do coursework, and get better marks on it than in an exam, this could be because their memory isn't great. But if there were only exams and no coursework, then these people wouldn't do as well.
Having exams and coursework gives each type of person and equalish chance to do better in their preffered type.
I personally like coursework better.
Some people find it easier to do coursework, and get better marks on it than in an exam, this could be because their memory isn't great. But if there were only exams and no coursework, then these people wouldn't do as well.
Having exams and coursework gives each type of person and equalish chance to do better in their preffered type.
I personally like coursework better.
There are several reasons for coursework.
For one thing, cramming for an exam exhibits little real learning. Information is remembered for a short period of time (several days) and then quickly forgotten after the exam. While this can help certain students do well in school (because they have excellent memorization skills), it doesn't help anyone learn.
Another reason is that doing coursework helps reinforce what is learned in class and through readings. Doing things with knowledge helps internalize it and give the student "ownership" of the material. Memorization is not learning; it is memorizing. True learning is never a passive act. You need to actively participate in this process, and coursework is one way to encourage active participation.
There is a caveat to remember. Coursework for the sake of coursework is as useless as a big exam at the end of class. If work is nothing but simple copying of material or something equally mindless, it will not help the student learn. Effective coursework needs to engage the student in some level of higher-order thinking.
- Walkere
For one thing, cramming for an exam exhibits little real learning. Information is remembered for a short period of time (several days) and then quickly forgotten after the exam. While this can help certain students do well in school (because they have excellent memorization skills), it doesn't help anyone learn.
Another reason is that doing coursework helps reinforce what is learned in class and through readings. Doing things with knowledge helps internalize it and give the student "ownership" of the material. Memorization is not learning; it is memorizing. True learning is never a passive act. You need to actively participate in this process, and coursework is one way to encourage active participation.
There is a caveat to remember. Coursework for the sake of coursework is as useless as a big exam at the end of class. If work is nothing but simple copying of material or something equally mindless, it will not help the student learn. Effective coursework needs to engage the student in some level of higher-order thinking.
- Walkere
Another reason for coursework could be that it is better preparation for entering the professional / work environment. After all, when you get a job and have to apply the knowledge you've gained thus far, which format would you imagine would be closer?
An exam in which you have a couple of hours in which to meet the challenge in front of you, with no access to any outside resources, thus relying solely on what you can recall within the limited time frame . . .
Or several days / weeks / months in which you can analyse the problem, gather all the information you require from any number of sources, often working in a team, ready to present your answer at the deadline.
Having said that though, I too prefer exams for passing courses. I learn a lot more on coursework, and it certainly helps me to remember what I have learnt, but I generally score better at exams.
An exam in which you have a couple of hours in which to meet the challenge in front of you, with no access to any outside resources, thus relying solely on what you can recall within the limited time frame . . .
Or several days / weeks / months in which you can analyse the problem, gather all the information you require from any number of sources, often working in a team, ready to present your answer at the deadline.
Having said that though, I too prefer exams for passing courses. I learn a lot more on coursework, and it certainly helps me to remember what I have learnt, but I generally score better at exams.
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