Refresh: Demonstrating Knowledge Using Oral Assessments

by Matt Wittstein

July 17, 2023

Limed: Teaching with a Twist – Episode 11

In this episode of Limed: Teaching with a Twist, Matt Wittstein follows up with Mark Burnham from Season 1, Episode 8, “Demonstrating Knowledge Using Oral Assessments.” Matt and Mark discuss Mark’s experience with implementing oral exams in his Biology coursework, the feedback and reactions he gauged from his students, and his future plans with oral assessments and other non-traditional methods of assessment in the classroom.

View a transcript of this episode.

This episode was hosted by Matt Wittstein, edited by Jeremiah Timberlake, and produced by Matt Wittstein in collaboration with the Center for Engaged Learning.

About the Guest

Headshot of Mark Burnham

Mark Burnham is an assistant professor of biology and environmental science at Emory & Henry College in Emory, VA. He is an ecologist and does most of his teaching in introductory level biology and environmental studies as well as ecology and botany. Outside of teaching, Mark is involved with the E&H garden, greenhouse, and herbarium. He researches nitrogen and carbon biogeochemical cycling in natural and managed ecosystems, and his new research program at E&H includes studying the ecology and sustainability of small gardens in Southwest Virginia. Although he’s not really an entomologist, he is currently building and curating an insect collection on campus. You can learn more about Mark on his website and also find his live bird feeder stream online: Appalachian Bird Cam on YouTube!

Listen to the Original Episode

A faculty member and a student sit on opposite sides of a table, engaged in conversation.

Demonstrating Knowledge Using Oral Assessments

Limed: Teaching with a Twist – Episode 8 Mark Burnham wants to help his students get more practice and feel psychologically more prepared for their oral graduation examinations in Emerson and Henry College’s biology program. He is already planning to…

Resources Related to this Episode

  • Elon University Center for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning. “Assessing Student Learning.”
  • “Guidelines for Oral Assessments and Exams.” Office of Teaching and Learning. University of Guelph. Accessed April 10, 2023. https://otl.uoguelph.ca/guidelines-oral-assessments-and-exams.
  • Moon, Jennifer A. A handbook of reflective and experiential learning: Theory and practice. Routledge, 2013.
  • Pipe, Laura May, and Jennifer T. Stephens. 2021. “Toward a Liberated Learning Spirit: A Model for Developing Critical Consciousness.” Journal of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning 21 (2): 121-139. https://doi.org/10.14434/josotl.v21i2.29148 [Open Access]

Additional Resources from the Center’s Blog and Podcasts

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