Video Year 8, The exam that feels like play
As a teacher at an IB school, I’ve often wondered how to make oral exams less stressful for students while maximizing their opportunity to practice speaking. The traditional one-on-one oral exam between teacher and student was fine, but I always felt that students couldn’t completely relax. This tension sometimes prevented them from performing their best and achieving the highest grades.
In our German classes, students frequently practice speaking in pairs with their classmates. Therefore, I decided to conduct the oral exams in pairs as well. A classmate is not only a communication partner but often a friend and a source of support, especially during an exam. Naturally, interacting with a peer can be more enjoyable than with the teacher.
The preparation for the dialogue was very engaging for them. They were given a basic structure and outline, allowing them to unleash their creativity. Of course, they had to adhere to the basic requirements specified for the unit (such as vocabulary and specific grammatical concepts), but the rest was up to them. The dialogues they created were ideas I would never have thought of or presented to them because they know best what interests them and what is cool.
I helped them refine the grammar a bit, and then they were ready to prepare for their dialogue. Middle School students often have a lot of energy, ideas, and acting skills, which they beautifully incorporate into their short performances. I am sometimes pleasantly surprised at how confidently and without hesitation they can present and express themselves.
For example, MYP2 students had a unit on music, and they prepared their dialogues splendidly. It was a joy to see how creatively they approached the task and how much they enjoyed the process.
This approach to oral exams has not only reduced stress but also enhanced the learning experience by making it more collaborative and enjoyable. By working together, students can support each other, making the exam feel less like a test and more like an opportunity to showcase their skills and interests.
MYP2 students:
1.video: Richard Kužela + Alex Szász
2.video: Adam Hvožďara +Norbert Bodör
