The main difference between semester and annual system is that within the annual system, the university exams are held after one academic year, whereas within the semester system, university exams are conducted after a period of five to six months.
Semester system and annual system are two different systems the universities and colleges adapt to educate youth. However, there exist significant differences between annual and semester systems.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is a Semester System
– Definition, Features
2. What is an Annual System
– Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Semester and Annual System
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Semester and Annual System
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Annual System, Semester System
What is a Semester System
A semester system is an academic term. Within a semester system, an academic year is divided into two sessions. Therefore, a semester usually covers a period of six months. The semester system is present not only in universities but also in the school system of some countries.
Within a semester system, both first and second semesters consist of an equal of six months. Therefore, after six months of teaching, examinations are conducted to evaluate the knowledge and skills of the students.
Moreover, there are two key objectives of a semester system: continuous evaluation and encouraging regular study habits among the students. Thus, a semester system allows students to engage in continuous learning, face assessment, and receive necessary feedback. Furthermore, this system particularly facilitates the evaluation of student performance twice a year.
What is an Annual System
An annual system is a system the students continue their studies throughout one year without any break. Compared to the semester system, the annual system is relatively traditional, and it covers a bigger syllabus. Within the annual system, the exams are held after continuous teaching for one academic year.
Within this system of evaluation, the students usually feel that they have an adequate amount of time to prepare for the examination. Furthermore, an annual system is relatively economical as it demands a smaller number of examiners. This leads to reducing the university’s expenditure on exams. In addition, an annual system usually allows the students to take part in the co-curricular and extracurricular activities and gives the teachers a chance to impart more knowledge to the students.
Similarities Between Semester and Annual System
- The semester system and annual system are two main evaluation systems within universities.
- Both systems involve a teaching and learning process and a process of assessment evaluation.
Difference Between Semester and Annual System
Definition
The annual system refers to a university education system where the exams are held after one academic year, whereas the semester system refers to an education system where exams are conducted after a period of five or six months.
Assessment and Evaluation
Within the semester system, the evaluators assess the students continuously. Therefore, from the side of the students, the semester system is better for student concentration and learning. When it comes to the annual system, the examinations are held at the end of each academic year. This often overburdens the students academically.
Exam Expenditure
Compared to the annual system, the semester system is costly for a university.
Exam Results
Through the semester system, the students are continuously assessed as the examinations are held at the end of each semester. Therefore, the students continue to prepare daily and perform better and obtain good marks. However, under the annual system, the students frequently start their preparation for the annual exam at the last minute and consequently obtain lower marks.
Conclusion
The main difference between semester and annual system is that within a semester system, the final evaluation takes place at the end of each semester, whereas, within an annual system, the final evaluation takes place at the end of a particular academic year. Moreover, the students within the semester system continue to prepare daily for the evaluation process, while within the annual system, the students’ preparation usually takes place at the last moment.
Reference:
1. Patel, Charmin, and John E Stivers. “Advantages or Disadvantages of Semester System in Education.” My Study Times.
2. Mazumdar, Mumtaz. “Introduction of Semester System in Indian Colleges.” GRIN.
Image Courtesy:
1. “5th Floor Lecture Hall (cartoon)” By Xbxg32000 – (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Exam Course University Graduation Book Class” (CC0) via Max Pixel
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