Can Assessment Replace Exams?

 Summary of Paloposki, Mikkonen, & Korhonen (2024)

Background & Existing Knowledge
Traditional final exams often fail to reflect the full scope of student learning. Educators are exploring continuous assessment to foster deeper engagement and better outcomes.

New Insights from This Study
✔ Replacing final exams with continuous assessment increased motivation and learning ownership.
✔ Students valued varied tasks and ongoing feedback.
✔ Teachers noted improved participation and performance across the term.

Practical Applications: How Educators Can Use This Research

Assessment Design
📌 Integrate projects, reflections, and checkpoints throughout the course.
📌 Replace high-stakes tests with diverse performance-based tasks.
📌 Emphasize learning process over final product.

Feedback Integration
📌 Use formative feedback as a learning tool.
📌 Allow opportunities to revise and resubmit work.
📌 Encourage peer and self-assessment practices.

Mindset Shift
📌 Reframe assessment as part of teaching, not separate from it.
📌 Support students to track their own growth.
📌 Train teachers in reflective grading practices.

Conclusion
Continuous assessment supports sustained learning, deeper thinking, and more inclusive teaching—providing a meaningful alternative to final exams.

Key Words
continuous assessment, student engagement, feedback, exam reform, active learning

Reference
Paloposki, M., Mikkonen, J., & Korhonen, V. (2024). From a Final Exam to Continuous Assessment: Reflections from an Educational Reform in Finnish Higher Education. Assessment in Education: Principles, Policy & Practice, 31(1), 53–71. https://doi.org/10.1080/0969594X.2024.2282127

Suggested Citation
Ross, E. M., & Malar, D. B. J. (2025). Can Assessment Replace Exams? Excellent Educator, 2(11), 2.