Oral Reviews: Improving Understanding, Retention, and Grades

Abstract

This session will examine the effectiveness of oral assessments, where students attend voluntary small group sessions led by a facilitator. Students are asked to articulate their thinking about the important concepts of the course, and they learn to negotiate meaning and make important connections. Examining graphical representations and discussing the purpose and rationale for procedures helps students make sense of difficult concepts, and allows them to apply what they know to novel problems. Data show orals participants improve understanding, grades and retention. Orals have also been used successfully in other disciplines including mechanical engineering and biology.