Oral exams are making a comeback to stop AI cheating. But they have their own problems
An oral exam can show how students have meaningfully engaged with a topic. But it shouldn’t be used as a litmus test for AI use.
Universities and schools across Australia are increasingly implementing oral exams in an effort to curb students' use of artificial intelligence for cheating purposes. These "viva voces" have a long history, dating back to ancient Greece, where students were required to answer questions on the spot to demonstrate their knowledge.
While oral exams offer several advantages, such as allowing examiners to gauge a student's immediate understanding and helping students develop public speaking skills, they also present certain challenges. Research indicates that oral exams can heighten students' social anxiety, particularly if they are required to communicate in their non-native language.
Moreover, ensuring consistency in oral exams can be difficult, with variations in the duration of presentations and discussions potentially disadvantaging certain students. Additionally, the effectiveness of oral exams as a means to prevent AI cheating is questionable, as students could still use AI to rehearse answers or freeze under pressure.
To promote fairer assessment practices, educators should focus on creating assessments that produce reliable results, treat all students fairly, offer flexibility for diverse needs, and accurately measure intended learning outcomes. Implementing oral exams alongside written or practical assessments could provide a more comprehensive evaluation of students' knowledge and skills, without compromising academic integrity.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
