The Impact of Oral Assessment on Pharmacy Students

Oral assessments in pharmacy education are a subjective yet valuable component of the academic experience. They provide a unique perspective on a student's knowledge, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities. However, the effectiveness and impact of such assessments vary among students, providing both advantages and challenges.

Advantages of Oral Assessments

Many pharmacy students favor oral assessments due to their flexibility and depth. Unlike written exams, where one mistake can result in a lost opportunity, oral assessments offer a chance to demonstrate understanding through multiple angles. This subjectivity can be beneficial, as it allows students to shine in areas where they might not excel on paper.

Flexibility and Depth

Oral assessments provide a dynamic environment where students can elaborate on their knowledge and reasoning. This is particularly advantageous in fields like pharmacy, where practical application and context are crucial. Students can explain their thought processes, use examples, and address questions in a non-linear manner, which can enhance their overall competency.

Opportunity to Shine

In an oral setting, students may perform better in areas where they are more comfortable. For example, they might be able to explain complex concepts more effectively if given additional time or space to think. The flexibility of oral assessments also means that students can recover from minor errors, as they have multiple opportunities to address questions and demonstrate their knowledge.

Challenges and Stressors

Despite the benefits, oral assessments pose certain challenges and can be more stressful than written exams. The ability to perform well under the pressure of a live audience can be daunting for some students. Additionally, the subjectivity of oral assessments can lead to fluctuations in scores based on individual raters, which can be both perks and drawbacks.

Stress and Nervousness

Before an oral assessment, students may experience significant anxiety. Verbalizing answers can be more intimidating than writing them down, especially if students are not prepared or feel unconfident in their knowledge. The fear of bubbling up and faltering can lead to temporary mental blockages, which can negatively impact performance.

Subjectivity and Variability

The subjective nature of oral assessments can also create variability in scores. Different evaluators may have varying levels of expertise or personal biases, which can affect the grading. For instance, a student might perform exceptionally well until they encounter a question related to a subject in which their evaluator is particularly knowledgeable, leading to a drop in points.

Optimizing Oral Assessments

To harness the benefits of oral assessments while mitigating their drawbacks, it is essential to strike a balance between using both written and oral methods. A well-rounded assessment approach should include a combination of written exams, oral presentations, and real-world simulations. This multifaceted approach ensures that students are assessed on a variety of skills and can demonstrate their knowledge in different ways.

Integration with Written Assessments

By integrating oral assessments with written ones, educators can gain a more holistic understanding of a student's academic capabilities. Written exams can test recall and theoretical knowledge, while oral assessments can evaluate communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. This balance helps students develop a well-rounded set of competencies that are essential in pharmacy practice.

In conclusion, oral assessments in pharmacy education are a valuable tool that can significantly enhance a student's understanding and performance. However, it is crucial to recognize the challenges they may present and implement strategies to support students, such as preparation and feedback. A balanced approach combining both oral and written assessments can provide a more comprehensive evaluation of students' abilities and ready them for the complex and dynamic field of pharmacy.

Keywords: oral assessment, pharmacy education, student performance