Research

Recent research underscores the advantages of oral assessments over traditional written methods across various dimensions. ​Here are the sources used to support the benefits of oral assessments:

1. Enhanced Material Comprehension

   • Tandfonline – Discusses the role of oral assessments in evaluating students' understanding beyond rote memorization.
     

2. Development of Higher-Order Thinking Skills

   • ACER (Australian Council for Educational Research) – Explores how oral exams encourage deeper learning and critical thinking.
     

3. Increased Motivation to Learn

   • UC San Diego Today – Study on how oral exams improved student engagement and motivation in engineering courses.
     

4. Improved Verbal Communication Skills

   • Worcester State University – Paper discussing how oral assessments help students develop communication skills.
     

5. Strengthened Academic Integrity

   • Napier University Research Repository – Research on how oral assessments reduce opportunities for cheating compared to written exams.
     

6. AI-Powered Oral Assessments

   • Georgia Tech Lifetime Learning – Description of how AI-driven Socratic questioning can enhance oral assessments.
     
     
     
     Despite these benefits, the adoption of oral assessments has been constrained by logistical and time-related challenges. However, the advent of Generative AI and Large Language Models presents a timely opportunity to develop scalable oral assessment platforms for higher education and the recruitment industry. For instance, AI-powered tools like "The Socratic Mind" utilize Socratic questioning to effectively simulate oral exams, challenging students to explain, justify, and defend their answers, thereby showcasing their understanding.

     lifetimelearning.gatech.edu

     By leveraging these advanced technologies, platforms like Coraltalk AI can overcome traditional barriers, offering scalable, efficient, and effective oral assessments that enhance learning outcomes and maintain academic integrity.​

Engaging students in oral communication practices has been shown to positively impact academic performance, retention rates, and overall learning outcomes.​

Improved Academic Performance

Effective oral communication enhances students' ability to articulate their thoughts clearly, facilitating better comprehension and knowledge retention. Students who can express their understanding verbally are more adept at engaging in discussions, asking pertinent questions, and clarifying complex concepts, all of which contribute to improved academic performance.

LinkedIn

Enhanced Learning Engagement

A study published in the Canadian Journal of Language and Literature Studies found a significant positive relationship between students' oral communication skills and their learning engagement. The research indicated that students with strong oral communication abilities exhibited higher levels of affective, behavioral, and cognitive engagement, suggesting that fostering these skills can lead to more active participation in the learning process. ​ResearchGate+1CJLLS+1CJLLS

Increased Retention Rates

Classroom communication plays a crucial role in student retention. Studies have shown that effective communication between teachers and students leads to better grades and higher retention rates, while poor communication is associated with increased dropout rates. This underscores the importance of cultivating strong oral communication skills to promote student persistence and success. ​Rise Vision+1Inside Higher Ed+1

Development of Higher-Order Thinking Skills

Collaborative learning environments that emphasize oral communication have been linked to the development of higher-level thinking skills. Engaging in discussions and verbalizing thoughts encourages students to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information more effectively, fostering critical thinking abilities essential for academic success.

Center for Teaching Innovation

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Reduction in Communication Apprehension

Conversely, students with high communication apprehension have been found to attain lower grade point averages and are more likely to drop out compared to their peers with lower apprehension. Addressing communication apprehension through targeted oral communication practice can mitigate these challenges, leading to improved academic outcomes and retention.

James C. McCroskey

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Incorporating oral communication practices into educational settings not only enhances students' academic performance but also contributes to their overall engagement and retention, ultimately fostering a more effective and enriching learning experience.​