Written exams

This examination form covers a range of products. Some of the products are clearly defined, e.g. a case that needs to be answered or an assignment on a set subject, while other products (typically larger projects) have a freer framework for choice of topic and only need the approval of the topic or the thesis statement. This makes it necessary to distinguish between products where the student has to relate to written material given in advance and products that do not involve this type of source. In general, a maximum number of pages are set for the written product, just as there is a set time frame. The chosen time frame must allow for the student to answer the exam paper within the set time and – to a reasonable extent – to eat and sleep With regard to setting the maximum number of pages, it should be considered whether the product needs to be produced individually or in groups. In the case of the latter, the assignment needs to be individualized so that each student’s contribution can be identified. This requirement for individualization and individual assessment means that the number of pages has to allow each participant to contribute a sufficiently large and coherent section of text that can provide the basis for making an individual assessment.

When choosing a written product to be produced at home as an examination form, the following choices need to be made:

o Type of assignment: Case paper, student-selected thesis, project etc.

o Duration of the assignment: How much time does the student have to do the assignment?

o Individual or group: Should the assignment be produced in groups or individually? If it is a group assignment, how big should the group be?

o Length of assignment: What is the maximum number of pages, and if necessary the minimum number of pages for the assignment?

o Assessment: With one examiner/with a co-examiner/with an external examiner?

o Grading: 7-point grading scale or pass/fail?

o Make-up/re-take examinations: Does the re-take have the same form as the regular examination or is it another type of examination?

A written sit-in examination is a set assignment that can take different forms. For example, it could be a set of calculation assignments, a case with related issues or a multiple-choice assignment, etc. In addition to deciding the type of assignment, whether or not to allow examination aids need to be decided. There are three options: No examination aids, all examination aids, or a limited number of examination aids (open book/closed book/semi-closed book). Regardless of the choice of examination aids, communication with other students is not permitted during sit-in examinations. At written sit-in examinations with no examination aids, the students can bring simple writing tools. If the examination takes place using CBS computers, the students will have access to a basic package, which in practice contains simple writing and calculation tools. At written sit-in examinations where all examination aids are allowed, students are free to bring whatever they need. They will also have access via the CBS computers to the Internet and E-library, Canvas, S-drive, SAS, etc. Students can bring calculators, tablets, and their own computers, which they will probably use as many students have course books, statute books, etc. stored electronically. However, students will not have access to power outlets for their tablets or computers. In written sit-in examinations with limited examination aids, which examination aids are allowed must be explicitly stated before the exam. (For more information, see the special guidelines regarding the choice of examination aids here: Exam aids at oral and written sit-in exams) If a written sit-in examination is chosen as the examination form, the following choices need to be made:

o Type of assignment: Case paper, multiple-choice, etc.

o Duration of the assignment: How much time does the student have to do the assignment?

o Examination aids: No examination aids/all examination aids/limited examination aids. If limited examination aids, which are allowed?

o Assessment: With one examiner/with a co-examiner/with an external examiner?

o Grading: 7-point grading scale or pass/fail?

o Make-up/re-take examinations: Does the re-take have the same form as the regular examination or is it another type of examination?