Perceptions of BA without hons?

Oldernotwiser

bestpud wrote: »

I've given a lot of thought to my opinion on exams, after reading this thread.

I think my view on exams goes back to my school days and remembering very bright pupils who could not demonstrate their knowledge in an exam situation. I did fine under that system but I always remember feeling sorry for those who didn't.

Plus, I sat my GCEs just before they changed to GCSEs and I have probably taken on board all the arguments for changing the system!

It's strange, isn't it, that one always hears about those who have problems with exams and don't do their best in them, but nobody worries about those for whom exams are the best way to express what they've learned.

I believe that one of the main reasons that boys' achievements now lag behind girls' is because continuous assessment suits girls' learning style rather than boys'. We always seem to go too far in any direction when there are educational changes, never seeming to find a middle way. (Sorry, that's the Libran in me talking!)

bestpud

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

It's strange, isn't it, that one always hears about those who have problems with exams and don't do their best in them, but nobody worries about those for whom exams are the best way to express what they've learned.

I believe that one of the main reasons that boys' achievements now lag behind girls' is because continuous assessment suits girls' learning style rather than boys'. We always seem to go too far in any direction when there are educational changes, never seeming to find a middle way. (Sorry, that's the Libran in me talking!)

That's what has made this such a thought provoking thread for me, as I do find them easier.

I haven't had the experience of 'finals' so I can't say for sure I wouldn't fall apart in that situation, but I do know I have breezed through them at all levels of my education so far.

I also know I don't panic like I do with written assignments!

I think it is because there is a very definite cut off point and once the exam day arrives there is nothing you can do but get in there and get on with it. I have had discussions with my personal tutor about this actually, during my first year.

He went to Oxford and often talks of the way things have changed.

olly300

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

It's strange, isn't it, that one always hears about those who have problems with exams and don't do their best in them, but nobody worries about those for whom exams are the best way to express what they've learned.

I believe that one of the main reasons that boys' achievements now lag behind girls' is because continuous assessment suits girls' learning style rather than boys'. We always seem to go too far in any direction when there are educational changes, never seeming to find a middle way. (Sorry, that's the Libran in me talking!)

I've seen that stated as well but wonder exactly who and what age they sampled. As with the old 11 plus system girls always did better on the exams.

In addition when I did science A levels (non-modular) they actually changed two of them to ensure the exams where unbiased. This meant equal marks where given to multiple choice, short and essay questions. The reasoning was that girls did better on essay questions, boys did better on short answers and multiple choice questions where neutral.

bestpud

Bump as I've updated first post!

omelette451

bestpud wrote: »

I thought I'd resurrect this thread to thank everyone for your support now I have finally finished my dissertation!! :j:j:j:j:j:j:j:j:j:j

I wasn't convinced I ever would if I'm honest and it's not how I'd like it, but it's done, and I will hopefully graduate with an Hons after all!

Congratulations!!!
:T:T:T:T:T:T:T:T:T:T:T:T:T:T

I'm glad it all worked out well for you. You won't regret making that final push to get it done, and I sincerely hope you get the grade you were hoping for (or better!).

Now go out and have one of these... :beer:

alwaysonthego_2

Well done BP, I knew you could do it!

neas

As a Engineer graduate (4 years ago). I didn't even know what 'honors' meant.

It goes futher than that.

Its very simple:

First = Great on CV
2:1 = Great on CV, obv not as good as first
2:2 = Ok on CV, but some jobs you will be turned away because peopel have 2:1+
Third = This is bad unfortunately, making it hard to get a job with your degree. It means you weren't the 'cream of the crop' of your course.. prob in the bottom 15-25% of the course unfortunately. If your degree is related to job, this prob will make it more difficult for you.
Anything below a third is equivalent of getting an E and A level.. which most of you will know isnt that good.

If you get a third you obviously either:

A - Didnt try hard enough, i.e quit like op was trying to... which doesnt give a good opinion for employer. There are usually many courseworks that are there to help you boost grade before exams
B - Didnt enjoy the course and so werent bothered (bit like OP original post)

I believe an honors means 2:2+ so i'd say getting a 2:2 rather than third = important, otherwise your degree is ok but not that brilliant for job applications to be honest.

Oldernotwiser

neas wrote: »

I believe an honors means 2:2+ so i'd say getting a 2:2 rather than third = important, otherwise your degree is ok but not that brilliant for job applications to be honest.

This may be what you think but it isn't what "Honours" actually means!

neas

honors is 2:1 plus right?

bitsandpieces

neas wrote: »

honors is 2:1 plus right?

No, it's not. By the way, there are a number of other reasons why people might get a 3rd, too - for example, illness can be an issue.

Congrats BestPud