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This study examines the effectiveness of open versus closed notes in physics exams and their influence on student motivation, performance, and anxiety. Through analysis of survey responses and focus group discussions, we found that students often perceive open-note exams as more beneficial, believing they foster a deeper understanding of core concepts without the burden of memorization. However, results indicated that the perceived benefits may not align with actual performance outcomes. The implications for exam design and student study practices are discussed thoroughly.
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Conclusions/Future Work • Groups will be reversed for the next exam, and re-surveyed • Motivation for study: students studied more for closed notes • But not as effectively? • Assessment: students felt like open-notes assesses better and that closed-notes artificially lowers scores • Perception was larger than reality Consider dual purpose of exams • Background/Motivation • In our Physics Department, most exams allow students to use a one-page note sheet • Last year we found that graduating seniors lacked a basic understanding of some of the fundamentals • Is the note-sheet doing them a disservice? • Anecdotal: Most people (here and in published literature) feel that open-notes exams allow students to concentrate on “truly important” aspects rather than “wasting time” with memorization • Preliminary Interviews: Fall 2006 • Students were given four different exams: note-sheet, closed notes, open notes, take home • Students were interviewed in focus groups about how the style of exam affected their grade, study habits, motivation, anxiety, etc. • The Spring 2007 survey was developed based on the responses of the focus groups Exam Style: Open vs. Closed NotesJohn S. Colton, Department of PhysicsUniversity of Wisconsin-La Crosse The Main Survey: Spring 2007 Student Attitudes • Interesting Observations • Hours spent studying alone varied significantly, but hours spent studying with others did not. • 74% of students felt their exam score was lower than it should have been • people without notes said it was due to lack of notes • people with notes said it was due to other reasons • 52% of students felt like anxiety lowered their score • split equally between open & closed • Closed note group did not take notes from text. They also did not prepare a formula sheet • How on earth are they studying?? Significant Differences: Open vs. Closed
