Formal exams are used to assess students at the end of each semester in many countries. Why are these exams used by schools and universities? What other types of assessments are possible?

In many countries, formal exams are commonly used at the end of academic year. This essay will discuss the reasons of academic institution use these forms of assessments. Nevertheless, in my personal view, there are other methods that can be chose by school or university to assess their student’s competency. First of all, formal assessment is conducted to know student’s academic skills during at the period of study. In other words, exam is a parameter for students to show their understanding about the subject of study that have been taught by teachers. Moreover, the exam result also can be used as a recommendation for students whether they can continue to higher class or they should be supervised by their teachers to deepen their academic knowledge. Another reason is for teacher’s learning methodology improvement. The final result of test, can be one of teacher’s teaching evaluation so they can plan others learning methodology to improve their teaching quality. However, there are some others promising way to judge student’s competency, such as project assignment and presentation. These are important to help students to improve their team work, collaboration, and communication skills. For example, in Indonesia, there is a new curriculum that conduct a project namely “Projek Pelajar Pancasila”. Students will collaborate to their peers to develop a project that have a special theme that have been chose by their school. They not only report that project in essay, but also make presentation in front of large number of audiences. As a result, student will have a public speaking skill and help to build their confidence levels. Thus, it also can give them practical experience which is more needed for their future. In conclusion, examination is still common tools to monitor students their knowledge, but others creative ways assignment such as project and presentation have potential benefit for students’ future challenges.