Using oral exams to stimulate student learning: Opinion

Oral exams can be a helpful teaching tool in undergraduate classes, especially when teaching online courses during COVID-19, writes Della Dumbaugh. Dumbaugh describes how implementing oral exams has helped students learn more effectively. The author adds that since students can find solutions to problems easily online, oral exams help instructors accurately evaluate student knowledge and help students to “improve their communication, conquer anxiety, solve problems quickly and think creatively.” She gives specific strategies to those who are interested in implementing oral exams in their classrooms and describes how both students and faculty benefit from oral exams. “Looking forward, I will certainly make more extensive use of oral exams in my classes this fall,” Dumbaugh said.  Inside Higher Ed  (International)