Oral exams are making a comeback to stop AI cheating. But they have their own problems

izusek/Getty Images Universities are increasingly turning to oral exams to stop students using artificial intelligence (AI) to cheat.

Some unis say it allows teachers to more accurately test students’ knowledge.

Meanwhile, some NSW schools are also using oral exams to prevent cheating.

Oral exams – or “viva voces” – are one of the oldest assessment methods.

But they are not a foolproof solution as universities and schools struggle to ensure academic integrity.

Here’s why.

A brief history Oral exams date back to ancient Greece .

Teachers would ask students questions, which needed to be responded to on the spot to show their knowledge of a subject.

They became less common over time as written exams were easier to administer across growing numbers of students.

But oral assessment never disappeared and has remained in many schools and unis.

Aside from testing a student’s knowledge, oral exams allow examiners to ask a student immediate questions and prompt them to clarify points further.

An oral exam can also help students develop their public speaking and communication skills.

Not fair for all students Despite these benefits, oral exams can create barriers for some students.

Research suggests they can increase students’ social anxiety.