INTERNAL HCL ORAL EXAM

Contributed by CHEN HSUAN CHIEH, SAM CHOON JUEN, ALEX TEO

What was the current need/gap that you were addressing?

Before 2023, the internal advanced Chinese oral examinations for Secondary Three and Secondary Four were conducted over three afternoons, from 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm. This approach posed several issues: Conducting exams over three afternoons disrupted afternoon classes. 1. Staffing arrangements were challenging, as a significant number of teachers were needed to serve as assistant oral examiners (AOE). The availability of AOE teachers did not always align with the designated oral examination times as they have other lessons in the afternoon, resulting in difficulties in staffing arrangements. 2. The time spent by AOE in performing their duties was considered part of the year-end exam invigilation time. Deducting their time during the scheduling of year-end exam invigilation not only made the timetable creation process tedious but also contributed to a shortage of invigilators for year-end exams. 3.Students attend classes in the morning and participate in oral examinations in the afternoon, leading to mental fatigue and hindering their ability to perform at their best. Thinking about the upcoming oral examinations during morning classes also prevents them from fully concentrating on the lesson.

How had it been experimented and enacted?

For this year's Secondary Three and Secondary Four exams, we allocated an entire day. On that day, students in Secondary Three or Secondary Four did not have regular classes. We assigned subject teachers to handle the tasks of AOE, addressing the staffing issues. This arrangement allowed students to concentrate better during the exams, as they only needed to focus their attention on the assessments for that day. This approach aligns with the original intention proposed by SEAB (Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board).

What was the positive impact?

Students can concentrate better and cope with exams more effectively, reducing stress. This approach addresses the issue of insufficient manpower and mitigates the shortage of invigilators during year-end exams. Teachers also do not feel fatigued as a result of conducting AOE work in the afternoon after morning classes. It minimizes disruption to class hours, affecting only one day as opposed to the past when it impacted three consecutive afternoons.

What is a future need that this IdEas@work could meet?

We believe that this change is positive, and we will continue with this approach in 2024.