Interview (Oral Examination)

Step-by-step plan

Step 1: From learning objectives to assessment 

Determine whether the chosen form of assessment matches the knowledge and/or skills you aim to measure, as described in your learning objectives.

Step 2: Assessment matrix 

Define clear assessment criteria and determine how they are distributed across the learning objectives. Ensure this distribution aligns with the weighting in your assessment plan. Indicate how many points each criterion is worth. Make sure the cognitive level of each criterion matches the level of the corresponding learning objective, never exceeding it. Lower-level criteria are allowed, as long as they still measure the intended learning outcomes.

Determine the purpose of using the interview: is it to supplement a written assignment in order to assess student ownership? Or are you using an interview because you want to assess how well students can respond to questions ad hoc and thus demonstrate their knowledge and skills?

Step 3: Create the rubric

A student answers open-ended questions about the subject matter or about their own work.

Develop criteria that are appropriate for objectively assessing the student behavior you want to measure. Create a scoring model or choose a rubric type that fits the assignment and purpose (e.g., holistic, analytic, single-point). A clear rubric ensures transparency for students and consistent grading, and can be refined iteratively to align with learning objectives.

Step 4: Design the assignment

Choose between a structured (same questions for everyone) or semi-structured (core questions and tailored follow-up questions) interview. Also decide the duration of the interview (10 -30 min) and whether it follows a submitted product. 

For every question that requires explanation, write a few probes. Probes are meant to test the depth of students' understanding.

Step 5: Communicate logistics and expectations

Schedule the interview and share timeslots with students. Send them the format, including the criteria and permitted aids. Ensure students understand the assessment criteria and rubric by sharing the purpose, structure, timing, criteria and sample questions with them. Make clear how evidence/their answers are being judged.

Step 6: Run the interview

Open every interview with the same instructions. Keep the time, ask the core questions first and then the probes you prepared. Use a scoring sheet and note key evidence verbatim where possible.

Step 7: Grade the interview

If there are two assessors, one leads and the other observes and scores independently. Compare your scores afterwards.

Step 8: Feedback & review

Provide brief comments linked to the assessment crtieria. Highlight what the student did well and what could be developed further. After completing the round of interviews, meet with the co- assessor to review the grading proces (calibration session), discuss if necessary certain cases, and ensure the alignment in interpretation of the criteria.  

Step 9: Evaluate

Based on student performance, feedback, and discussion with the co-assessor, identify ways to improve the assessment for future use. Questions to consider: Were the questions appropriate and effective for assessing the intended learning outcomes? Did students receive enough guidance or preparation beforehand? Was the timing, rubric, or interview structure appropriate?