# Reevaluating Assessments: How Conversation-Oriented Exams Are Transforming University Science Education
In recent times, higher education instructors have been investigating creative strategies for assessing students beyond conventional written tests. A significant development in this area is the adoption of **Interactive Oral Assessments (IOAs)**, which present an authentic, dialogue-driven evaluation model. This innovative method is not limited to fields such as languages or humanities; it is also proving to be a transformative force in university science areas, including laboratory and biomedical sciences.
Leading this change is the **University of South Australia (UniSA)**, where IOAs are being utilized in programs like the **Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine** and **Bachelor of Biomedical Science**. By substituting traditional final exams with interactive evaluations, UniSA is fostering a more personalized and less intimidating assessment method—one that emphasizes a student’s grasp of the material.
## Departing from Convention: Advocating for Oral Assessments
Assessments have typically included written exams held in sterile, high-stress environments where memorization frequently overshadows true comprehension. However, this classic model has its drawbacks. The anxiety and pressure linked with exams can negatively impact student performance, particularly for those who find test-taking challenging or whose strengths lie in oral communication.
This is where Interactive Oral Assessments come into play, allowing students to convey their knowledge in an engaging, one-on-one dialogue with an instructor. This format is significantly more flexible than rigid written exams, enabling students to:
– Display their knowledge beyond mere memorization.
– Address follow-up questions that test their understanding in real-time.
– Engage in an assessment that feels less daunting and more cooperative.
Dr. **Sarah Davey**, a lecturer in Biosciences at UniSA, points out that oral assessments provide a “less confrontational” environment for students to express their learning. “Interactive Oral Assessments are proving to be a wonderful method for students to demonstrate their insights without the anxiety of a traditional examination setting,” Dr. Davey says. By alleviating some of the pressures typical in exams, students can prioritize conveying their knowledge at their own rhythm within the conversational setting.
### Advancements Across the Spectrum: Success Metrics
The rollout of IOAs at UniSA has already begun to produce noteworthy outcomes. In comparison to traditional exams, students have shown:
– A **15% improvement** in final assessment scores.
– A **20% increase** in overall course performance.
– A **40% rise** in student satisfaction.
These statistics reflect the efficiency of IOAs in promoting deeper engagement with course content, enabling a better correlation between student effort and their outcomes.
Additionally, IOAs have demonstrated their adaptability by catering to a range of student backgrounds. Neurodiverse individuals, non-native English speakers, and those experiencing exam anxiety particularly benefit from the conversational format, as emphasized by Dr. **Chris Della Vedova**, Senior Lecturer of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences at UniSA. Dr. Della Vedova states, “The adaptable, individualized nature of a conversation enables these groups to excel and fosters their confidence.”
Interestingly, even when allowed to choose traditional assessment methods, numerous students prefer IOAs, showing their inclination towards this more natural and engaging format.
## Optimizing Assessments for Educators
The advantages of IOAs extend beyond just students. University faculty have also discovered the approach to be more efficient and time-saving. Dr. Della Vedova notes that instructors have found oral exams to require less time for grading compared to written assessments. Furthermore, the IOA process is enhanced by regular practice opportunities throughout the course, providing students with adequate preparation and ensuring consistency in assessment.
This format also allows evaluators to pose “unseen” follow-up questions that are not pre-prepared, offering deeper insight into a student’s critical thinking skills. This personalized yet spontaneous interaction with the student reinforces the reliability and validity of the assessment.
## Upholding Academic Integrity in the Age of AI
In a time when generative AI can produce essays and exam answers almost instantaneously, maintaining academic integrity has become an escalating concern in higher education. This is another area where IOAs shine. Real-time oral assessments minimize the potential for academic dishonesty since students need to actively participate in the conversation and exhibit their understanding without outside help.
Dr. Della Vedova underscores this benefit, stating, “Since we introduced IOAs in 2022, we’ve not encountered a single breach of academic integrity. It’s undoubtedly a progressive step in dealing with AI.” While students can still utilize AI tools for their preparation, the necessity for real-time dialogue during IOAs makes it virtually impossible to misuse such tools in the assessment context.
## The Future of Assessment in STEM Education
The success of Interactive Oral Assessments at UniSA underscores their potential to become a foundational component of contemporary education, particularly in STEM fields. Beyond alleviating exam anxiety and ensuring academic integrity, IOAs foster opportunities for meaningful learning experiences that mirror real-life scenarios.