The rapid rise of generative AI has created challenges for me in assessing student work. It is becoming increasingly difficult to determine the extent to which students rely on tools such as ChatGPT in their writing. Using GPTZero, a colleague recently discovered that a student turned in a paper that was generated by ChatGPT. While far from perfect, tools like GPTZero can help track the use of AI-generated content.
This prompted me to reflect on the use of assessments in my classroom, allowing me to consider the benefits of the verbal assessments I was already using and compile a list of the benefits I had observed in my classroom.
Ensuring Personalization and Immediate Feedback
Traditional methods of assessment, such as written essays, usually involve a time interval between completion of the assignment and the feedback loop. This time interval is not ideal. Even if I grade the paper as quickly as possible, there is still a lag time between when the student completes the assignment and when I provide feedback. Oral assessments provide an opportunity for teachers to provide immediate and personalized feedback. In a brief conversation, the instructor can point out specific areas of strength and areas for improvement. The feedback loop is immediate, which not only helps students understand the material more thoroughly, but also makes it easier for the instructor.
In my midterm psychology class, students take an oral assessment in which they synthesize a number of sources into an argument. I get to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of their application and give feedback on the spot. My students appreciate the immediacy of the feedback and I find it more interesting than grading papers. Some teachers may be hesitant to do this because of the time involved, but my oral evaluations usually only take five minutes per student-which adds little extra time compared to grading essays.
I conduct my midterm oral assessments during my planning time or lunch time, or before or after class. Although I choose to meet with students outside of class time, I find that this does not take any more time than if I were to take their papers home and grade them.
I incorporate other oral assessments into class time by having students collaborate. For example, when students in my class work on group assignments, I meet with one student at a time for a quick assessment. We walk down the hallway where I can listen to the class with one ear and the individual student with the other. This approach works well with my high school seniors; however, when I work one-on-one or with a small group of students, my younger students need more of my attention.
Clarifying Challenging Concepts
Regardless of content, secondary education involves complex topics that challenge students. Oral assessments provide a great opportunity for students to immediately clarify concepts they are struggling to grasp. This opportunity for real-time, face-to-face interaction allows teachers to answer student questions immediately, ensuring that students build a foundation of understanding before moving on. One of the things I love about assessing my students orally is that they are able to both ask for clarification and provide it in real time-something that is not possible with traditional assessment methods such as multiple-choice tests or writing assignments.
Recently, I gave my students a blended assessment. They wrote answers to several questions and later discussed only one, which I selected, in a brief conference. I had read through one student’s paper beforehand and found an answer that confused me. I sought clarification during the conference and the student helped me understand their answer. Without the oral portion of this assessment, I would not have understood their point of view.
This is also a great way to ensure that differentiation is happening at every level in the classroom. For example, many of my ELL students excel on oral assessments. They are able to share their ideas more completely when they are not limited to what they write on paper. Additionally, oral assessments allow ELL students to practice academic language with the teacher, which is important for building language confidence.
Developing Communication Skills
As students prepare for and participate in oral assessments, they develop their communication skills. In an age where effective communication and social skills are cornerstones, oral assessments can play an important role in honing a student’s ability to express ideas clearly. Engaging in academic conversations requires students to organize their thoughts in a structured manner and express them clearly. Both of these skills can be developed. I wouldn’t say that teaching writing isn’t important, because I think it’s an essential skill that students need to learn. On the other hand, I don’t think we’re doing a great job of effectively or intentionally developing students’ communication skills.
After all, there is an argument to be made that generative AI will be able to help students and professionals express themselves in a more persuasive written manner. However, that’s not the case with help in thinking and speaking right now. If students want to express themselves better, they need to practice. Oral assessments also help students build confidence in expressing themselves, a skill that extends far beyond the classroom. Not only does this improve students’ academic skills, but it also prepares them for real-world scenarios such as job interviews, presentations, and even public speaking.
Oral assessments offer many advantages that go far beyond their role as a safeguard against AI-generated papers. As such, they can be a great tool for educators to incorporate into their assessment toolbox, enriching the learning experience and ensuring that students are well-prepared for future challenges.