The Argument for Open-Book Exams and Pre-Exam Previews

When considering the study habits of high school and college students, many of us picture late-night cramming sessions filled with anxiety, desperately trying to memorize every detail. We might even recall our own challenging experiences during exam weeks, often filled with stories of countless hours spent studying, only to find ourselves unprepared for the actual questions. We’ve all had that one class where we could confidently discuss topics during lectures, but the moment we faced the exam, our minds went blank.

However, this cycle of stress and panic doesn’t have to be the norm.

Recently, a professor’s innovative approach to test preparation gained attention: providing students with the exam questions ahead of time. “One to two weeks before an exam, I share a list of potential essay and exam questions with my students,” wrote Jessica Hill on social media. When a colleague expressed concern that students might simply prepare answers for all the questions in advance, Hill realized they had fundamentally different views on the purpose of exams. For her, the goal is to facilitate learning, while for others, it may represent something entirely different.

This method also benefits educators by allowing them to refine their assessments. “If I happen to create a poorly worded question, I can adjust based on the inquiries I receive from students. This way, I can either clarify the question for everyone or omit it from the exam,” she noted.

What a refreshing perspective on studying and education! Ultimately, isn’t the purpose of education—at any level—to provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive? The aim should not be to confuse students or catch them off guard. What purpose does that serve, other than to bolster the egos of certain instructors?

The traditional approach to exams tends to favor those who excel at memorization rather than those who genuinely understand the material. Award-winning journalist Lisa Grant pointed out in a recent article that research comparing conventional tests to open-book formats shows minimal difference in learning outcomes, while open-book tests can actually lower anxiety levels. “Well-constructed open-book tests can enhance higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills, moving beyond mere memorization,” Grant explained.

The conversation around open-book exams gained traction during the pandemic, but it’s hardly a new concept. In fact, during my time in law school two decades ago (can you believe it’s been that long?), most assessments were open-note or open-book.

Some might argue that this format doesn’t accurately measure a student’s knowledge. On the contrary, timed tests covering extensive material require students to possess a solid understanding and know how to locate and apply information effectively. “This is the absolute best method,” remarked Thomas Reed. “Students end up learning much more than they actually use on the exam, which reflects their knowledge.”

Admittedly, Hill’s approach isn’t precisely the same as a traditional open-book exam, but it shares the key principle: equipping students with the resources to demonstrate their knowledge. Isn’t this the ultimate goal of any exam? In fact, isn’t this the overarching aim of the education system itself? Learning transcends what you can recall at a specific moment; it encompasses the ability to seek out and apply information that you may not remember. Nowadays, with basic literacy and numeracy skills, virtually all information is accessible through various means—whether it’s consulting books, experts, or even the internet.

Education is about fostering understanding, and learning is a collaborative process between teachers and students. Hats off to this professor and all educators who grasp this truth.

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Summary:

Open-book tests and pre-exam previews offer a transformative approach to learning by reducing anxiety and fostering a deeper understanding of material. This method allows educators to clarify questions and encourages students to think critically rather than solely memorize information. Ultimately, education should empower students to find and apply knowledge effectively.

Keyphrase: open-book exams

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