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VOL. 2, ISSUE 2 (2026)
Critical analysis of open book exams as the result of TQM success in education
Authors
Brijnath Pandey
Abstract

The assessment methods in the recent years were focused on remembering the information. Now with the availability of abundant information, it is important to shift the focus towards processing the information and finding the application of their knowledge. Recently the National education policy (NEP) 2020 stressed that curricular design should also a ‘robust system of continuous formative/adaptive assessment to track and thereby individualize and ensure each student’s learning’. Using the open book examinations for the development of critical thinking, problem solving skills and provide to the lower stress level for the students. The purposes of the open book examination system are the student’s cantered approach, to keep lowest anxiety among student. Open book exams have gained popularity as an alternative assessment method, allowing students to refer to resources during the exams. Total quality management (TQM), a management approach emphasizing continuous improvement and customer satisfaction, can be applied in education. Using the Open book examination method we can improve the critical thinking, problem solving approach, motivation, performance continuous learning and process improvement among the students and try to achieve the TQM success for the effective teaching and learning process. When students are informed that they are going to take open-book tests, their first reaction is very positive. However, lazy (and just poor memory) students, who are the first to welcome this innovation, when explained how the exam will be held, are really disappointed. Yes, the stress on their memory is removed, there is no need to prepare cheat-papers and no risk being caught and punished for their application. But, alas, the tasks (we will discuss them a little below) are not the ones which permit, so to say, “legal cheating”, vice versa, they are intellectually highly demanding. Besides, they do demand Factual knowledge and being well acquainted with the materials under study. However surprisingly it may sound, it is the clever students who are finally happy. These hopeful intentions must be converted to realistic implementations for objectives to be realized, and assessment plays a pivotal role in the same. A natural transition from closed book or traditional examinations to open book exam may assist in students being able to apply acquired knowledge rather than recalling retained information.

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Pages:23-26
How to cite this article:
Brijnath Pandey "Critical analysis of open book exams as the result of TQM success in education". World Journal of Applied Research, Vol 2, Issue 2, 2026, Pages 23-26

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