Abstract:

The growing digitization of our society is also reflected in the education system. Digital technologies are changing the learning behaviors of our students.

These transformations have led to the necessity of alternative examination formats that can assess not only factual knowledge but also critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity.

Traditional examination formats are increasingly criticized today as they no longer meet current requirements. They place insufficient emphasis on cooperative skills, critical thinking, and creativity, which are crucial in the modern world. Often, they do not simulate authentic tasks and assess isolated knowledge, which does not do justice to the learners' actual competencies. One-dimensional assessment methods also neglect the diversity of individual learning styles and create a high stress factor for students. At the same time, alternative forms of performance documentation, such as projects and portfolios, are often overlooked. It is therefore urgently necessary to revise and adapt traditional examination formats to be more equitable to students and adequately capture their true abilities.

The last year we aimed to leverage the expanded digital possibilities in instruction and education, while developing new examination formats. We focus on the 4C competencies in our teaching: Creativity, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, and Communication. We incorporate the following performance assessments in our seminars: digital storytelling, sketch notes, digital workbooks, and podcasts. Always with the goal of continually advancing, we evaluate and consistently adapt our examination formats to keep our teaching current.

Keywords:

Assessments, teaching, education, examination, examination culture, digital media, digital education, digital innovation.