Study in Singapore: strict exams
Nanyang Technological University surprised me in many ways: the male-female ratio, 3 hour evening classes, very good blended learning system, huge groups for graduate courses, zero practical sessions, no homeworks, and much more. But the first thing I am mentioning about my studies when someone asks about the university are the exams. It probably best reflects the strict life here in Singapore.
It is still fresh in my memory, I had the last exam only few days ago. It was pretty tough time, having six exams in just few days; I am not at all used to doing all exams in one shot.
(In the Czech republic, we practice the German system: the exam period can be as long as six weeks; one has more than one try for an exam. It may sound ridiculously easy, but I would rather say it is different. Exams are often complex and oral exam is often compulsory to get a good mark. It also allows to filter out "being unlucky" or "not sleeping enough". Like here, my fifth exam turned out quite badly for me mainly because of my sleep deficit of at least 20 hours from previous exam days...)
But that is not what is different about Singaporean exams, and what I found surprising. Mainly, the examination procedures are strictly described by law. And when I write strictly I also refer to the fact that they are strict :-). As everything in Singapore.
For two weeks, campus life is completely transformed. Public spaces are emptied at the expense of full libraries. Libraries are filled from very morning till midnight (here I must say it is not as extreme as in South Korea where the library actually opens 24 hours and is full 24 hours). Huge examination halls are raised and sealed , often at dorms (never in the lecture theatres).
- The halls are usually huge with more than 500 seats specially arranged for the occasion with special single tables.
- The halls are sealed during the exam period and they are guarded for 24 hours; a guard is installed at the entrance so no one could enter.
- At one exam session, students from more courses sit the test so you often find yourself among complete strangers.
- You must leave all your belongings at the entrance.
- Also, all calculators, dictionaries, etc. must be controlled before the exam.
- The exam room opens 10 minutes before the exam and students shouldn't be let in after exam starts; though I saw that it wasn't that much followed.
- There are professors from all the courses examined at the time. Plus one who moderates all the happening.
- The exam is recorded.
- You are warned more than million times not to cheat.
- Answer sheet is without a name so the professor shouldn't know whos paper he corrects.