Should oral examination be reimagined in the era of AI?

Abstract

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape education, concerns about the authenticity of student work have escalated, particularly in relation to written assignments influenced by AI-powered tools. This article explores the role of the oral examination as a valuable method for assessing true student understanding and considers its potential for broader use across various educational levels. We propose that oral exams could be effectively integrated into undergraduate courses, providing a means to verify student comprehension in an era of AI-generated content. By adopting oral assessments, educators can enhance academic integrity while fostering essential skills such as critical thinking and effective communication in today's technology-driven world.