The attitudes of Jordanian English language and literature undergraduate students toward open-book exams

Abstract

Introduction: The paper aims to investigate the attitudes of English Language and Literature students toward implementing the open-book exam in literature courses. Methods: The research applied a mixed-method approach. The researchers interviewed five undergraduate students enrolled in the American Literature course for the qualitative part. In contrast, the research includes the results of 62 questionnaires for the quantitative part. Moreover, a survey questionnaire was developed by the researchers to collect data concerning the participants’ attitudes toward OBEs. Results: The study found a positive attitude toward OBEs. Moreover, the study participants demonstrated that OBEs reduce stress levels that occur during exams in general. A statistical representation of the findings showed that the sample students have a positive attitude in relation to this unconventional assessment protocol. Discussion: OBEs should be allowed more space in academic institutions since today’s world does not depend on the amount of information a job applicant deposits in his memory. What matters is the person possesses enough high-order thinking abilities and skills like problem-solving.