I did an oral final exam for my theory of computation class. From the student perspective, it was nicer than an in person final as I knew I didn't have to have perfect prose in my answers (and that it only took 30 mins rather than 2 hours!). But the professor said he'd never do it again because 30 minutes * 30ish students was too much work.
I cannot imagine a return to oral exams in the current academic setting with huge class sizes. The only place I could them being useful is in tiny honors/grad classes where the professor already has a close familiarity with each of the students.
I cannot imagine a return to oral exams in the current academic setting with huge class sizes. The only place I could them being useful is in tiny honors/grad classes where the professor already has a close familiarity with each of the students.