The autumn semester, just like the calendar year, is nearing its end. The turn of the year is traditionally the time to finish various work and to take stock. In student terms this means the end of the semester’s lectures and the ‘taking stock’ is done by means of assessments and exams.

Do we even need exams and assessments at all? After all, a lot of time is taken up, students have to revise and lecturers have to prepare and correct the exams…

Assessments and exams serve various different functions.

Exams as tests of competence
All courses have learning objectives, which students need to reach by the end of the semester. Passing the exam provides proof that students have achieved the learning objectives and the necessary competences.

Exams as individual evaluations
Through these ‘performance measurements’, or rather the grades achieved, each student gain information about their own capabilities and see where they stand within the whole cohort.

Exams as entry tickets
Further courses can (sometimes) only be visited once exams have been passed, since knowledge of the preceding courses is mandatory.

It is important that exams are fair and valid. Help us in this process by completing the exam evaluations precisely and honestly.

I would like to wish you a good learning period and every success with your exams.

Merry Christmas and a happy and fulfilling New Year!

Wolfgang Schatz, Secretary General