What is the experiential exam?

The Experiential Exam as an innovative alternative formal assessments of learning outcomes that encourages memorization of course content. Students move through all four stages of the Kolb experiential learning cycle that starts with an experience which is transformed intmeaning through reflection, sense-making and sense-giving. Three different examples of experiential examinations include The DIY Exam, The 11th Secret and The Exam without Words, all of which prompts the student to demonstrate entrepreneurial attitudes and behaviors. The merits of using experiential examinations for entrepreneurship education are compared and contrasted with those of traditional and more unconventional examination formats.

Appendices

Appendix A: The Exam without Words

• The experiential exam process
• Copy of preview to the exam
• Copy of the examination question
• Samples of The Exam without Words submissions from students
  • Sample 1
  • Sample 2
  • Sample 3
• Copy of debriefing used after the exam
• Photographs of The Exam without Words

Appendix B: The 11th Secret

• Copy of the examination question
• Samples of The 11th Secret Exam submissions from students
  • Sample 1
  • Sample 2
  • Sample 3
  • Sample 4
  • Sample 5
• Excerpt of The 11th Secret
  
  

Appendix C: The DIY Exam

• Copy of the examination question
• Samples of The DIY Exam submissions from students
  • Sample 1
  • Sample 2
  • Sample 3
  • Sample 4
  • Sample 5
• Music files of The DIY Exam
  • Sample 1
  • Sample 2

Appendix D: Samples of Student Comments

• A selection of reflection papers – the good, the bad, and the ugly.
  • Sample 1
  • Sample 2
  • Sample 3
  • Sample 4
  • Sample 5
  • Sample 6

Appendix E: Samples of Faculty Responses

• Letter from Michael Morris
• Letter from Debbi Brock
• E-mail message from Eric Alderman

The most important outcome of education is thelp students become independent of formal education."

- Paul Gray