Challenging the Professor

After a second semester French class asked if they could do a hands on final exam that involved planning and executing a francophone breakfast I've given this option to my students. This past semester I asked my FREN 103 students to vote to do a traditional final oral exam or the francophone breakfast. The traditional exam would mean signing up for a 10 minute time slot to talk to me about 5 randomly chosen questions from throughout the semester. After much discussion they opted for a traditional exam, much to my surprise and disappointment.

In weighing the options, one student commented that she didn't see how a 10 minute exam would actually be a meaningful assessment since it's so short. She said this in front of the class with what seemed to me to be a contemptuous tone. I strive to create a collaborative, supportive atmosphere and positive, approachable presence so I suppose I should be gratified that she felt comfortable making that point in class. However, the tactless way she made the comment came across as very disrespectful.

The question was worthy of discussion for everyone because it gave me the chance to convey to them how much preparation they should expect. Since the questions are drawn from throughout the semester they have to be able to say something substantive on approximately 50 questions. They need to be able to effectively communicate the grammar and vocab on each of them. They need to be prepared for me to ask a related follow-up question to each. For example, if they are asked to describe their family and they tell me about their sister's looks I may ask about her personality. I don't want it to be an interrogation where they just move from question to question-I want it to be a conversation that evolves somewhat organically. The original 5 questions are basically just inspiration. Given this scenario, it is much harder to prepare for all of those possibilities.

After explaining this several students winced or opened their eyes wide. I could see regret on some faces for having opted for this kind of exam over the breakfast which would have given them a great deal more control. But maturity was an issue for the group and this was a good, if slightly painful, lesson for them.