Students at universities are alarmed by plans to take traditional exams in person this year. This will force them to memorize large amounts of information.
Many institutions are planning to abandon the online open-book exams that were in effect during the pandemic, and instead use timed papers, which can be handwritten in the exam rooms.
Students are furious because they won’t be able bring books in, to consult notes or use Google.
Jesus College Oxford. Oxford undergraduates studying the PPE degree at Oxford said that online exams demand a new skill set. They focus less memory and more on the ability of synthesise information into arguments.
Undergraduates from Oxford’s famed philosophy, politics, and economics degree (PPE), wrote to their tutors: “Online exams require an entirely different skill set. They focus less on memorizing and more on being able to synthesize information into arguments.
“To prepare, we looked at taking detailed notes so that you can answer questions quickly, and not memorizing large amounts of information.
“Advising students of the in-person format is a time saver that allows them to rewrite notes as quickly as possible before they have to submit finals.”
Oxford PPE graduate include Ted Heath, Harold Wilson, and David Cameron (previous Prime Ministers), as well as Rishi Sunak, the current Chancellor.
The plans to have traditional exams in person this year are causing a stir among university students. It will force them to “memorise large numbers of information” (file photo used).
Online exams that were held after March 2020 are not supervised. Students have between 24-72 hours and 72 hours for their responses.
Studies show that online exam takers are more likely than offline candidates to cheat.
Students are complaining about the disadvantage of being able to take in-person tests at Oxford, as they are not being offered virtual exams.
Southampton University has also begun to offer in-person exams. Students Union was furious that they will cause undergraduates to feel unsafe.
Many online tests held as of March 2020 were not monitored. Students had between 24 to 72 hours to submit their answers. (Files used).
Critics accused the students of trying not to meet strict standards for assessment.
Professor Alan Smithers is the Director of Buckingham University’s Centre for Education and Employment Research. He stated that “in-person exams” are the most effective way to assess what students know, understand, and can do.
‘The protests give the game away – online exams open the door to manipulation and downright cheating. The universities should immediately return to real exams.
Students are angry because they can’t bring books in, take notes, or use Google. (file photo).
Chris McGovern is the Campaign For Real Education’s chairman. He stated that online exams have become very popular among students as they allow them to avoid being tested by real life.
“Universities must build resilience and not allow snowflake students the option of taking easy options,”
Oxford spokesmen said, “The university will continue to offer different types of assessments this year. From online open-book examinations to in-person exams.
“Departments confirmed each exam’s format to students based on specific pedagogical considerations for each course.”
Southampton University explained that, despite the fact that a lot of exam will now be online, some exams in person will continue to take place. According to the advice of Government, this is.