Remote oral examination

Oral examinations can be conducted online via video conference (Zoom).
Oral examinations offer a high level of flexibility and can take place in closed or open formats.
In this oral examinations are suitable not just for checking facts and specialist knowledge, but for evaluation of thinking processes and analytical capabilities.
However, this flexibility means that careful preparation and planning are required in order to reduce distractions and create fair examination conditions.

Question-answer format: Examiners prepare questions on the learning content (varous topics and levels of difficulty) which candidates answer one after another. The questions must reflect the learning objectives of the course (see Didactic suggestions and tips).
Specialist discussion: An open discussion of the specialist literature (e.g. scientific papers) which candidates have read in preparation is conducted.
Problem-solving tasks: Candidates receive a problem in advance and prepare a solution. After the candidate briefly presents the route taken to the solution, the examiners ask specific questions about the presented or alternative routes.

An observer must always be present (connected).
The observe fulfils the disciplinary requirements set out in Download Art. 18 Para. 2 or 4 of the ETH Zurich Ordinance on Performance Assessments; and assumes the tasks set out in Download Art. 18 Para. 3 of the ETH Zurich Ordinance on Performance Assessments (assistance with proper conducting of the examination, and logging of the proceedings).
The video connection (image and audio) must be guaranteed during the entire examination. In particular, the candidate must be recognisable in the image throughout.
Recording of the video conference is only permitted if the respective candidate is informed in advance of the intended use and data scope of the recording and explicitly agrees that the recording may be made.

Further information on conducting remote oral examinations with Zoom can be found in this Download guideline (PDF, 423 KB). Share it early with the students and communicate the details of the examination as mentioned in the guideline.
Consult the Download FAQs (PDF, 450 KB) on conducting remote oral examinations.
Technical information on how to set up and manage a remote oral examination with Zoom can be found here.
The waiting room function of Zoom makes it possible to organise a single meeting for all candidates. They candidates can be allocated at will to the main room or to the waiting room (e.g. to discuss the grade).
Download Checklist for developing or checking oral examination questions [in German]
Download Checklist for conducting oral examinations [in German]
Download Checklist for grading oral examinations [in German]