Hacker News new | ask | show | jobs
by abdullahkhalids 1126 days ago
For programming CS exams, you can try doing them in a computer lab with internet disabled. These exams should be allotted time much more than needed as one should not be testing for problem solving under strict time constraints.

FYI its oral exams, not oral presentations. You give the student half an hour to solve a sequence of problems and gauge their thinking skills. Scales to perhaps 30 students at most.
1 comments
NotOscarWilde 1126 days ago
> FYI its oral exams, not oral presentations.

I was not very clear about it, but I was discussing regular semester work, as opposed to final/midterm exams. Think courses that are strongly grounded in theory but need the students to experience the coursework, like Discrete Mathematics or Linear Programming.

"Oral presentations" in my case meant presenting a homework solution to the TA in person, in front of the class, and the TA accepting this solution live (or not).

At least at my university, the responsibility for homework structure and homework sheets lies fully on the lecturer, and the TAs are tasked with grading the homework/projects and leading the exercise sessions.

Oral exams are great if they can be done at scale, and I do use them. Some other teachers (as well as the administration) prefer written exams, as there is a clear proof of work that can be analyzed if grades are disputed.

link
abdullahkhalids 1126 days ago
> I was discussing regular semester work, as opposed to final/midterm exams

In my experience, these are completely useless for any core course as you mention. I have tried stuff like this in my courses, and it doesn't work. In fact, I know some students pay others to make the presentation for them, and coach them on the presentation.

Even for course projects, I have graded meetings with students before the final presentation/report. This helps ensure that they are doing the work themselves rather than depending on others. But yes, this takes a lot of time.

> Some other teachers (as well as the administration) prefer written exams, as there is a clear proof of work that can be analyzed if grades are disputed.

Video record them, my friend.

link