An open book exam is a type of test that allows students to bring their books or notes with them into the exam room. However, this does not mean that the exam is easy or that students do not need to prepare or study. In fact, open book exams require students to have a genuine understanding of the material and be able to apply or analyze information and content rather than just remember it. Open book exams test a persons knowledge and organization rather than memorization.
During an open book exam, students need to be organized with the materials they are allowed to use. It is important to understand what "open-book" means in the specific situation and what materials are allowed to be accessed during the test. Open book exams require students to use higher levels of thinking, so they wont just be asked about facts or to recall information. Instead, they will be asked to compare, analyze, evaluate, or synthesize information.
To succeed in an open book exam, students need to prepare and study the material just like any other exam. They need to have a solid understanding of the course content and be able to apply that information. Students should also be organized with their notes and have a systematic way to find content quickly. It is important to attend class and understand the instructors unique area of focus when it comes to covering reading materials.
During the exam, students should look over all the questions first before beginning to answer them. They should start by answering the questions they are familiar with and then move on to the more difficult questions that require them to use their reference materials. It is important to follow the rules and guidelines set by the instructor regarding what materials are allowed to be used during the exam.
Cheating in an open book exam can occur when students use their textbooks as a set of notes to scribe onto, or when they jot down the solution to past term papers and compare and match when they receive their actual exam paper. It is important to protect academic integrity and make sure that the work is ones own.
