Examining in the context of flexible learning can involve a great deal of variation. Normally, the design of the course with the alignment of the examination to lthe intended earning outcomes and learning activities sets the framework for the design of an examination. However, in cases where students participate in the course in different ways, adjustments may need to be made based on technical constraints and the maintenance of legal security.

To require students' physical presence at an examination, students must be enrolled in a course instance given at a specific location. Alternatively, the course could clearly state information on, for example, compulsory meetings. Similarly, the wording of the syllabus may set limits on the examination formats that can be used. However, as long as you stay within the limits set by the formalities of the course, you have every opportunity to create examination flexibility. Flexibility in examination can mean variation in a number of aspects.

To make it easier for students to show what they have learned, it is good to choose a variety of examination formats.

Inspiration can be found, for example, in the Knowledge Bank (UHR).

An important source of information on legally secure examination can be found on the UKÄ website.

Examples of flexible examination

When choosing the type of examination, there are several different aspects to consider: time, place, format, assessment and feedback. Perhaps the examples below can provide inspiration for your planning?

Time

  • continuous (e.g. as a seminar series or in project form)
  • at a specific point in time
  • for a limited period of time

Format

  • written
  • oral (e.g. seminar, presentation)
  • multimodal (e.g. pod, game, movie, exhibition)
  • practical (putting theory into practice)
  • complex
  • analogue
  • digital (e.g., Inspera, Canvas, Zoom)

Location

  • on campus
  • at home
  • collaboration with an external partner (e.g. on an internship)
  • contribution as an expert to the community via different forums
  • events for the public

Assessment

  • formative
  • summative
  • automatic via learning systems
  • self-assessment
  • peer assessment
  • assessment by teachers

Feedback

Written

  • analogue
  • by email
  • in Canvas
  • in Inspera

Oral

  • synchronously in Zoom
  • synchronously on campus
  • asynchronously recorded comments in Canvas (SpeedGrader)
  • asynchronously recorded comments in discussion forums