Teaching Day 2025: Rethinking Exams—Ideas for the Future of Teaching

This year’s Teaching Day focused on the question of how we can make exams future-proof in the age of generative AI. Under the theme “Tried and True—Rethought?,” traditional exam formats were critically examined, and new approaches to a modern, competency-based exam culture were discussed.

The keynote presentation made it clear that traditional exam formats are increasingly reaching their limits—especially in light of tools like ChatGPT, which challenge established assessment standards. At the same time, these developments offer an opportunity to rethink outdated structures and place greater emphasis on learning processes.

In the subsequent World Café, participants exchanged ideas on how exams can be designed in the future to ensure fairness, learning effectiveness, and academic integrity. The day made one thing clear: Now is the right moment to boldly break new ground and work together to develop a contemporary examination culture.

Exam Culture in Transition – Findings from the World Café

The participants agreed: Current developments in generative AI present a unique opportunity to rethink examination policies across all disciplines. This should not merely involve adjusting individual formats, but rather a fundamental reflection on the culture of examination itself.

Exams are an expression of our teaching and learning culture—and we must now assess whether this culture is still relevant today. Portfolios and practical exams were particularly highlighted as formats that place greater emphasis on the learning process and reflect competencies more authentically.

It also became clear that a modern examination culture can only succeed in tandem with a reflection on the nature of scholarship. Now is the right time to boldly break new ground and design exams with the future in mind.