A Different Kind of Performance: Exams in the Theatre

The following article contains Sohum T’s original article with some added insight from Daniel P.

With the coming of exam week, students are frantically scampering to cram content before facing absolution. Speaking of which, students have been recently informed about the changes to the regular exam conditions. For instance, students will now take their exams in the theater rather than the gym. Some students were relieved by the fact that they would now have a cushiony seat to rest on as they completed their exams. However, other students expressed immense dissatisfaction upon receiving the untimely notice of these changes. Mr. Tragert stated that “the goal of this change was to get away from the cold, large, sterile and stereotypical setting of a [testing environment].”

Then, Mr. Tragert addressed different factors that gave rise to the change in the exam location. He stated, “the gym is a classroom just like any other class,” and he doesn’t want to be disruptive to the middle school P.E. classes. Last year, due to the semester exams, middle school students were not allowed to use the gym for a week, which provoked their complaints. In addition, he argued that taking exams in the theater is more secure and less prone to cheating, as proctors standing in the back of the theater can oversee all students clearly. Also, students won’t be sitting next to each other and won’t be able to lean forward to look at the test paper of the person sitting in front of them—this action would be an obvious indicator of cheating.

Mr. Tragert emphasized the P.E. disruption element of the decision. Normally, during exam week, P.E. classes must be held outside or in other school buildings which could inconvenience both teachers and students. By holding the exams in the theatre, students will now be able to use the gym during lunch, and, as Mr. Tragert described, “let loose.” That is to say that after taking an exam, students will be able to enter and use the gym at their own leisure without experiencing short instances of PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder).

According to Mr. Tragert, “most of the students he surveyed were in favor of taking their exams in the theatre.” As a result, Mr. Tragert and the faculty decided to relocate the exams to the theatre. If students do not enjoy their experience in the theatre, they will have the choice to change or decide on the exam setting next semester.

The administration was attentive to the feasibility of taking the final exam in the theater: how can the theater accommodate around 200 students while maintaining a secure test-taking environment? The students will be sitting in rows, with seats between them to prevent cheating, and they will be allowed to use the tables of their seat and the seat next to them.

Among students, one of the most substantial concerns that was expressed about the theatre as an examination room was that the tables that unfold from the theatre seats were too small to write an exam on. Lance d.G., a junior, commented that “using the tables in the theatre would be an uncomfortable experience.” However, Emily A. remarked that “taking exams in the theatre would decrease test anxiety.” A junior, Terry M, said that “this whole idea of taking the final exam in the theater is ridiculous,” but did not provide a rationale for his strong words.

In response to the student body’s concerns, Mr. Tragert made several great points. He explained that “there were an equal number of people, if not more, who were continually upset with the idea of exams in the gym.” He said that many students voiced their complaints from last year, including complaints about how the gym is too cold and feels unsettling, which resulted in poor performance. Mr. Tragert emphasized that he is reflecting on the needs of students and that students’ opinion is prioritized over anything else when it comes to making such decisions.

Holding an exam in the theatre might result in several complications, as expressed by Ms. Partee who stated that taking exams in the theatre may result in “growing pains” as the logistics of the transition year would be less clear. However, Ms. Partee also added that students and teachers should still “give the [new exam approach] a shot.” A change in the exam environment could be problematic for a student’s test performance. However, the precise consequences will not be detectable until the exam has been conducted in the theatre.

Lastly, Mr. Tragert mentioned that the change is only experimental, and that he is always open to feedback and suggestions. If students are discontent with taking the exam in the theater, then he can change the location back to the gym.

What do you think? Share your opinions below!