I mentioned the exams for another reason though. Before their first exam this morning, the learners at one of my school went through a briefing with all the educators including the principal. Many of the major points and tips about test taking were covered. Unfortunately, this is the most preparation most of the learners get on how to take tests. Most assessments are not in class exams with formats similar to the mid and final year examinations (Multiple Choice, Fill-in-the-Blank, True or False etc.). For example, the first few times I gave multiple choice questions, several learners would select 2 or more of the choices or some would just leave it blank not knowing what to do. Still, this little reminder about what things to do and not do before the test will give the learners a leg up.
Lastly, I just want to say a few words about the principal at this same school. He might be one of the most hyper-active people I have ever met. He has some real positive attributes that I think make him a great principal. He is intelligent and charismatic and is always pushing his school and students to improve. On the other hand, I think he tries to do to much at one time and things get forgotten or neglected; he can be a little scatter-brained. With all the things he tries to do, a lot gets ignored but some great things get done to. He is in top form around the learners and it was a pleasure to see it this morning. Like I said before he is very energetic, always moving fast and changing the timbre and volume of his speech and he's always making jokes. Quite a contrast to how most of the other educators go about teaching. It is hard not to pay attention when he is in front of the class. At the end of the speech he started singing an improv devotional, “We thank you exam!” in Setswana, and even all the learners were looking around at each other with a look that said “Is this guy serious?”. Eventually everyone joined him in the song and afterwards it was all smiles walking into the exam room.