A teacher's entry: Exams

This week I am down for invigilation as my school is having common test. My first venue was at the hall. The moment I stepped in I felt a huge heavy intense feeling. It felt like some kind of land mine zone that I was stepping into (not that I had ever been to one, but I imagine that is how one would feel like) It was completely silent with the exception of pens scribbling away and the nervous small breathing that pulsated through the body ( yes, yes, I am developing the ability to feel heartbeats like carnivorous animals).

I suddenly recalled what it was like to be seating for exams. I was overwhelmed with the feeling of anxiousness and intense thrill as if something terrible but mind blowing was going to happen. I had always psyched myself before exams that I was going into a war zone and it does not matter what I did because in the end I am still going to end up being fertilizer to the plants. That was me. But now walking around I see different faces with different expressions and attitudes. It is funny how the body plays out what is running through the mind. It is so obvious to see when students are in full concentration and when they are momentarily stoning trying to see if they can find a clue somewhere from the lessons taught in school. And then there are the exceptions, the ones who care no rhyme or reason to whatever is going to happen in their lives and refuse to answer the questions or those whose brains only work after intervals of 10 mins of sleeping during the exam. Well, for me as well as they don't cheat I am fine.

As I walk to the end of the hall, another thought came by. In Singapore students are well trained and conditioned to seat for exams till they finish their education life. I wonder if they ever ponder about the idea if exams actually prepare them for life's test, a paper that we have to seat sometimes very second of our life. So as I continue to walk I imagine what it would be like if I were to set a test paper for a subject that I would like to teach and this is what I came up with.

Subject: Livelalife

There are altogether one printed page with three questions. You are to answer all three questions. A failure to do will deem you unfit to live.

LIFE SECTION

1) Solve the equation (10 Marks)

experience + intelligence / opportunities= success

2) "Trap in an iron cage" (20 Marks)

To what extent do you as the protagonist agree to this statement. Please cite examples from your text

3) Explain in detail the biological and psychological process that you undergo when facing a financial crisis (20 Marks)

The End