FLEXIBLE EXAMINATION AS A PATHWAY TO LEARNING

Abstract

Previous research in the field of educational development has highlighted the importance of examination in the learning process. In most educational contexts tests and grades are the most important influences on the students’ learning strategies. A well planned examination strategy is seen as contributing to better learning. A test of flexible examination forms was carried out in the Linnaeus University’s teacher training program in Sweden. During a course in special needs education, 119 teacher trainees were given the opportunity to choose examination method at the start of the course. They were able to choose between four different examination methods and were in addition allowed to propose their own examination method. After the students had been examined they completed an evaluation on their newly acquired and previous examination experience and with the key question being which form of examination was most beneficial to the learning process. The results show that even if the students saw examination as an opportunity for learning and appreciated the option of freely choosing examination method, they did not choose the examination form according to its benefit for the learning process. On the contrary they chose the examination form that they expected to be the easiest path towards high grades. Key words: assessment, assessment system, examination, flexible examination, learning process.