Pressure Comes From Tests, School Workload

A random poll of 30 students at Coeur d’Alene High School shows a predictable result: Stress at high school adds to the already-enormous amount of pressure in their lives.

For example, when asked whether “the pressures of high school get to you,” all but six students said “yes.”

When asked to describe the pressures of high school, most cited the use of tests and the sometimes-overwhelming amount of school work.

“Some teachers just don’t understand that you have other classes and work and stuff,” said Lewis Kelley, “so they end up giving way too much stuff to do.”

Testing seemed to be the biggest thing that angered students when asked about pressure. An agreement among those interviewed was that tests don’t do much besides add pressure concerning grades.

When asked if tests helped them to learn and comprehend material, 26 of the 30 students polled said “no,” and some people even laughed at the question.

“They don’t do anything. You end up forgetting everything on the last test when you take another one,” said Hillary Fairfield. Fairfield also said testing is unfair because people who know the material can fail if they aren’t good test-takers.

Some of the students’ proposed alternatives were quite unique.

One popular alternative was the use of class games. Ideas such as a classroom version of Jeopardy are a favorite among students. “Games like Jeopardy are good because they’re fun and a lot of people remember things if they had fun learning it,” said Erika Smatlan.

Other ideas included extended class discussions, group projects and research reports.

Most of the ideas expressed involved more work with other students to solve problems.

“It’s easier to learn material better if a friend is helping out,” one student said. “It reduces pressure to perform better if you’re not trying to figure things out on your own.”

Students also were asked about pressures outside of school. More than three-fourths of the students said there always is added pressure with friends and especially at home.

The sources of the home pressures included arguments with siblings and parents, financial problems, illnesses and the pressure applied by parents to perform well in school, sports and other activities.

Beyond the home, a number of pressures were expressed, from work problems to relationships with the opposite sex.

Another question that resulted in a variety of responses was how young people deal with all of this pressure.

“I like to listen to music. Really loud music!” said one student. Nearly half of the students said that sleeping was a great remedy for trying to ease pressure, while a few mentioned that pressure doesn’t permit them to sleep well.

Others suggested some more active approaches. “I like to scream and punch things,” said Sam Taylor. “A punching bag is the best remedy. Everyone should get a punching bag.”

Sadly, three of the students polled said that they have hurt themselves at least once in response to pressure. Two students even admitted to cutting themselves purposely at least one time.