Using oral exams in physics and astronomy courses
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Historically, oral exams were common across academia, though their popularity has recently declined. Because they are vulnerable to bias and subjectivity, difficult to administer, and impractical in large college classes, many advocate against their use in assessment. I present a method for administering oral examinations in upper-level undergraduate courses that mitigates some of the disadvantages. This method creates a rigid question structure that assesses student mastery of material, has a well-defined grading structure to standardize evaluation, and can be administered under time constraints to reduce workload. I emphasize holistic verbal communication and evaluation that mirrors the talks and interviews that are common throughout a scientist's career.
Source: American Journal of Physics
DOI: 10.1119/5.0276805
Author: Brian DiGiorgio Zanger
Institution: Swarthmore College
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7130514326