This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Universities are increasingly turning to oral exams to stop students from using artificial intelligence (AI) to cheat. Some universities say it allows teachers to more accurately test students' knowledge.
Meanwhile, some NSW schools are also using oral exams to prevent cheating. Oral exams—or "viva voces"—are one of the oldest assessment methods. But they are not a foolproof solution as universities and schools struggle to ensure academic integrity.
Oral exams date back to ancient Greece. Teachers would ask students questions that needed to be answered on the spot to show their knowledge of a subject. They became less common over time as written exams were easier to administer to growing numbers of students.
But oral assessment never disappeared and has remained in many schools and universities. Aside from testing a student's knowledge, oral exams allow examiners to ask students immediate questions and prompt them to clarify points further. An oral exam can also help students develop their public speaking and communication skills.
Despite these benefits, oral exams can create barriers for some students. Research suggests they can increase students' social anxiety. A German study found university students experienced more anxiety in oral exams than written ones.
If students are overly anxious, they may not be able to show examiners what they actually know. Oral exams may also unfairly disadvantage students when they are required to speak in a non-native language. These students might have a strong understanding of the subject but need more time to express that understanding.
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