An oral exam is an assessment event in which student’s achievement of the course learning outcomes is evaluated verbally — through a face-to-face or online conversation.
There are two types of oral exams:
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A full oral exam, which completely replaces a written exam and assesses the full range of knowledge, skills, understandings, and attitudes that students are expected to develop
during the course. -
A complementary oral exam, which serves as an addition to the main assessment method in the course (which may be an assignment or project, individual or group, conducted in class or at home). This type of exam tests:
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A deep understanding of the learned material, or
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The authenticity of the knowledge presented in writing (“defense”).
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The Center for the Promotion of Learning and Teaching has compiled explanations and professional pedagogical recommendations on this topic — including the advantages and disadvantages of oral examinations, how to prepare for them, how to conduct them, and more.
You are invited to read more here.
