Proctoring a Midterm

Carrying a box full of blank exams down the aisle, I can sense the suspense. 150 or so eyes watch as the exam is removed and explanations are made. Several have a last minute peek at notes hoping to savor the last drop of information in hopes it will provide a needed solution. "You can begin," and the sound of flipping pages and scribbling pens/pencils fill the auditorium. And then quiet, only interrupted by sporadic page flips and tapping of pens. Quickly hands fly and questions come to my ear. Explanations are given and occasionally a quiet apology, "I'm sorry I can't answer that question." Why? Well, suffice it to say some questions were a bit leading.

The questions continue and finally people begin turning in completed exams. First one, then three, and the waves continue as each student slowly approaches the front of the auditorium scanning for any last mistakes or second guessing answers that were probably right the first time. As the end approaches, the auditorium looks rather empty. Just a handful of students remain. The last minute trickles by and all exams are collected. The exam finished, well, at least until grading begins, we carry the exam to the office for storage until tomorrow, when a bunch of instructors will sit, grade, laugh, cry, and wish that the exam had been a page or two shorter.