Matt Wingfield, chairman of the e-Assessment Association reckons there’s a host of effective exam alternatives.

Are written tests are always the best way to assess learning. Yes, rigour is necessary to ensure courses are of a high quality, but is an academic-style exam really the most appropriate way to measure non-academic skills, knowledge and competencies?

There are other approaches that are better than written tests for assessing learning – and, crucially, they do not penalise learners who struggle with academic exams.

On-screen testing

Computer-based testing allows an emphasis on non-written items, such as pictures, diagrams and drag-and-drop tasks, so language isn’t a barrier.

Learners can take tests whenever they are ready, not just at the end of term, as the randomised questions mean there’s no danger of students copying each other.

Simulations

Unlike written tests, online technology can immerse the learner in a real-life simulation and assess how they apply their knowledge in the appropriate context. 

The method is being used to great success for examining IT skills and is also ideal for many engineering and agricultural contexts.

Simulations are great for examining IT, engineering & agricultural skills

e-Portfolio

e-Portfolios are ideal for supporting coursework and end-of-course assessments. They allow a student’s work to be assessed, verified, and graded online.

This approach is useful wherever a portfolio of evidence is needed to demonstrate practical skills or on-the-job-training, such as with apprenticeships.

Work-readiness

Education providers are increasingly keen to measure employability skills. Innovative e-assessment technologies are now being used to examine  the knowledge, understanding and practical abilities that are directly relevant to the workplace.

What these alternatives show is the need for the right balance between assessment perspectives. Some areas of education will always need a more academic, exam-based approach. But when assessing practical skills we need to be open-minded in the methods we use and take advantage of the opportunities that technology offers.