When it comes to preparing for exams, high school and college students often find themselves in a familiar scenario: cramming late into the night, desperately trying to memorize vast amounts of information. Many of us can recall our own challenging experiences during exam week, spending countless hours studying—only to realize we focused on the wrong material. We’ve all had those moments when we could recite facts effortlessly in class, yet as soon as we sit at that tiny desk with a #2 pencil, our minds go blank.
But it doesn’t have to be this way.
A recent post by a professor has sparked interest with its innovative approach to exam preparation: providing students with the questions beforehand. “1-2 weeks before an exam, I give my students a list of possible essay and exam questions,” wrote Dr. Jamie Robinson on social media. When asked by a colleague if she worried about students preparing answers for all the questions, she realized that “we have quite different views on the purpose of exams.” For Dr. Robinson, the aim of exams is to enhance her students’ understanding; for others, it might be something entirely different.
This method also benefits educators. “If I unintentionally create a poorly worded question, the inquiries I receive from students will help me identify that,” she explained. “I can then clarify the study material for everyone or omit it from the exam.”
This perspective on studying and testing is a refreshing change. Isn’t the ultimate goal of education—whether in elementary, high school, or college—to equip students with the necessary tools to learn and thrive? The objective shouldn’t be to trick students or catch them off guard. What does that achieve, aside from boosting the egos of a few professors?
The traditional approach rewards those who excel at memorization rather than those with a deeper understanding of the material. Annie Murphy Paul, a renowned journalist specializing in learning and cognition, highlighted in the Washington Post that research comparing standard tests and open-book exams often reveals little difference in learning outcomes. In fact, open-book exams can lead to decreased anxiety. “When designed effectively, open-book tests can foster higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills instead of rote memorization,” Paul noted.
The conversation around open-book testing gained momentum during the pandemic, but it’s not a new idea. In fact, two decades ago, when I was in law school (wow, time flies!), nearly every exam was an open-note or open-book format. Critics argue that such tests don’t accurately assess what students know. However, the reality is that with strict time limits and extensive material to cover, students need a solid grasp of the information and know where to locate it for application.
“The absolute best method,” commented Alex Thompson. “Students learn much more material than they utilize in exams, showcasing their knowledge.” While Dr. Robinson’s approach may differ from traditional open-book tests, they share a common principle: providing students with the resources necessary to demonstrate their understanding. Isn’t that the true objective of every examination? Isn’t that the overarching goal of our education system?
Learning is not just about what you can recall at a specific moment; it’s about knowing how to find information when needed and applying that knowledge effectively. Once we have the basics of reading and arithmetic down, virtually any information can be accessed—whether through books, experts, or even Google.
Education is fundamentally about learning, a process nurtured through collaboration between teachers and students. Kudos to educators like Dr. Robinson and all those who recognize this.
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Summary
The article advocates for the use of open-book tests and advance exam question previews as a means to enhance student learning and reduce anxiety. It highlights the different educational philosophies surrounding exams and emphasizes the importance of understanding and applying knowledge over rote memorization. The views of educators like Dr. Jamie Robinson showcase a shift towards more supportive and effective testing methods that prioritize genuine learning.