Record Number of Complaints During Dutch High School Exam Period
As final exams commence, students voice concerns over exam content and conditions, leading to an unprecedented influx of complaints.
The commencement of final exams in the Netherlands has prompted an extraordinary increase in complaints reported to the Landelijk Aktie Komitee Scholieren (LAKS).
This year, the body received 8,645 complaints regarding the vmbo-t English exam, a rise from 8,145 complaints in the previous year, marking a continuing trend of escalating grievances during the exam period.
Students noted particular concern over the content, with some expressing discontent about specific questions, such as one related to the British children's program 'Peppa Pig'.
Conversely, there were 6,414 complaints about the vmbo-t Dutch exam, which is a decrease from 7,812 complaints last year.
The final exams for Dutch secondary education commenced on Friday, with the first session being English for vmbo-t students at the Beatrix College in Tilburg.
This examination period, which lasts until May 26, will be followed by resits beginning on June 17. Students reported mixed experiences, with some feeling unprepared and others relatively confident about their performance.
Complaints to LAKS have been described as unprecedented, with the organization stating that by mid-week, it had already received over 121,000 complaints.
A notable observation among students was related to distractions during the exam environment.
For instance, a student named Lina recounted her experience during the English exam, where the movement and eating habits of others became a concern for her focus.
The LAKS organization indicates that many complaints lack specificity and a solid foundation, often revolving around vague statements about difficulty or time constraints.
Fé Swets, a member of the LAKS board responsible for handling exam complaints, commented that the majority of grievances tend to be rather general, stating, "The most common complaints are: 'It was stupid', 'It was too difficult', 'It was too long'." Swets highlighted the organization’s aim to encourage students to submit more specific and well-supported complaints this year.
Social media has played a significant role in raising awareness among students regarding the opportunity to lodge complaints, which Swets attributes as a factor in the increasing numbers.
The LAKS has noted that while English is a common source of complaints, the organization stresses the importance of examining the substance of grievances rather than their quantity.
Complaints regarding actual exam conditions, such as audible disturbances or issues related to accommodations for students who required extra time, are given serious attention.
It has been observed that complaints related to the N-term, a corrective factor influencing exam scores, often arise following the release of results, with students misunderstanding LAKS’s authority in these matters.
Students at Beatrix College have varied approaches to their exam experiences, with some expressing a lack of stress and opting to relax before their exams.
One student remarked on the trend of fellow students frequently voicing their complaints, noting that some grievances could be attributed to a generational mindset.
As the exam season progresses, the LAKS anticipates that the volume of complaints will continue to grow, given the historically rising trend in grievances reported each year.
This year, the body received 8,645 complaints regarding the vmbo-t English exam, a rise from 8,145 complaints in the previous year, marking a continuing trend of escalating grievances during the exam period.
Students noted particular concern over the content, with some expressing discontent about specific questions, such as one related to the British children's program 'Peppa Pig'.
Conversely, there were 6,414 complaints about the vmbo-t Dutch exam, which is a decrease from 7,812 complaints last year.
The final exams for Dutch secondary education commenced on Friday, with the first session being English for vmbo-t students at the Beatrix College in Tilburg.
This examination period, which lasts until May 26, will be followed by resits beginning on June 17. Students reported mixed experiences, with some feeling unprepared and others relatively confident about their performance.
Complaints to LAKS have been described as unprecedented, with the organization stating that by mid-week, it had already received over 121,000 complaints.
A notable observation among students was related to distractions during the exam environment.
For instance, a student named Lina recounted her experience during the English exam, where the movement and eating habits of others became a concern for her focus.
The LAKS organization indicates that many complaints lack specificity and a solid foundation, often revolving around vague statements about difficulty or time constraints.
Fé Swets, a member of the LAKS board responsible for handling exam complaints, commented that the majority of grievances tend to be rather general, stating, "The most common complaints are: 'It was stupid', 'It was too difficult', 'It was too long'." Swets highlighted the organization’s aim to encourage students to submit more specific and well-supported complaints this year.
Social media has played a significant role in raising awareness among students regarding the opportunity to lodge complaints, which Swets attributes as a factor in the increasing numbers.
The LAKS has noted that while English is a common source of complaints, the organization stresses the importance of examining the substance of grievances rather than their quantity.
Complaints regarding actual exam conditions, such as audible disturbances or issues related to accommodations for students who required extra time, are given serious attention.
It has been observed that complaints related to the N-term, a corrective factor influencing exam scores, often arise following the release of results, with students misunderstanding LAKS’s authority in these matters.
Students at Beatrix College have varied approaches to their exam experiences, with some expressing a lack of stress and opting to relax before their exams.
One student remarked on the trend of fellow students frequently voicing their complaints, noting that some grievances could be attributed to a generational mindset.
As the exam season progresses, the LAKS anticipates that the volume of complaints will continue to grow, given the historically rising trend in grievances reported each year.
