Xi’an RTVU has been promoting teaching reform since 2008. Today, candidates are able to schedule the time and place of exams for 113 courses. As of January 2013, 20,245, or 17.8% of all candidates, have already used this new format.

Xi’an RTVU candidates can book the time and location of their exam online at their convenience. Over the past four years, this new format has gained popularity among open and distance learners for a number of reasons. Firstly, students like being able to choose a time and place for their exams that suits them. They can choose from two examination periods (twice a year, each lasting approx. one month) and four locations around the Xi’an campus. Secondly, the system helps to ensure fair examination by randomly withdrawing test questions from question bank to prevent cheating. Thirdly, the system emphasizes the construction of a question bank. This new examination format focuses on establishing basic knowledge and helping students to analyze and solve problems. Finally, it promotes teaching reform, calling on new open and distance teaching methods, such as M-Learning, Flipped Classroom, and Microlectures.
 
In order to cement this new learning and examination format, further improvements are needed. The question bank needs to be oriented towards adult education, and new teaching, management and examination patterns are required to benefit adult learners. There is also scope to expand the scale of this new format. Lastly, the examination appointment periods will be extended in order to help students avoid scheduling conflicts.

By Zhang Yu, Xi’an RTVU