As much as I am a believe in a free web-verse, I am a believer in open book assessment. The benefits of open book assessment (where students can have access to their text books/ study notes while they do their assessment) far outweigh any disadvantages. That being said, there is certainty a time and place for all types of assessment.

Stress Reduction
One of the distinct advantages of open-book assessment is the way it reduces stress. I remember profusely, when I did open book assessments in high school, the relief I felt knowing that if my study hadn’t paid off, then there was a Index just there waiting for me to call on it. It was great for hitting the nail on the head quote-wise, and excellent for for my continued learning…

Continuous Learning
What a thought! To be able to learn THROUGH your assessment. Open book assessments mean that students have a base knowledge, and as they need to acquire more information to complete an assessment question, they can do so by researching in their text.
Regular exams require students to recall information. You start with a large range of knowledge, which you’ve acquired all week, and then as the exam progresses you don’t remember parts, or have to struggle to recall. This presents students with a loosing mindset, and does nothing for their self-confidence.

No Need To Cheat
Open book assessments also reduce the need for students to cheat. After all, their text is the same as everyone else’s. It also creates equality in the classroom and doesn’t disadvantage those students with higher workloads or other commitments.

Confidence
Confidence before an exam is really important. A positive attitude can make all the difference- you still have the stress of the importance of the exam (which research tells us can help us to perform better), but we DON’T have the stress of not knowing what we’re being presented with, and therefore now knowing if you are prepared enough for it.

Study Materials
Another really great aspect of open-book assessments is the way it reinforces the importance of the study material. I have personally had bad experiences at University where I have bought a required text book, only to find that it wasn’t referenced through the entire course, and it wasn’t useful in my study preparation.
Open book assessments really help students to see that using the text book as a learning tool is important, and it also helps students to understand the importance of keeping their work accountable (not just their opinions, but backed up by the research in the text).

There are many ways that you can apply these positive aspects to other types of assessment, and I recommend that you do. Of course, there is a time and a place for everything, and while open book assessment has its merits, it’s not appropriate for every situation, besides, it has its bad points too! Happy Learning!

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