Revolutionizing Assessment: EIIHS's Interactive Approach to Testing

At the European Institute of Integrative Health Sciences (EIIHS), we challenge the conventional approach to assessments in education, especially in a field as dynamic as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Recognizing that standardized tests alone are insufficient to gauge true expertise, we've introduced an innovative, interactive testing format that not only evaluates knowledge but also practical skills and ethical decision-making.

Professors check Year 3 Student Kamil Qandil's point location during his oral examination.

Each semester, alongside the standard written tests, our students participate in oral exams that are unlike any other. These exams are designed like a card game, where students draw a question card at random. This could involve complex scenarios such as navigating hypothetical patient situations requiring ethical considerations and diagnoses, or demonstrating specific treatment protocols and acupuncture point locations on a live model. This playful approach helps ease the typical exam tension, making the process more engaging and reflective of real-world situations.

Year 4 Student Zelda Mavrogianni demonstrates aesthetic acupuncture protocols on Chancellor Simpson.

One unique feature of our exam setup is the inclusion of a "joker" card. This card allows the student who draws it the choice of their question, providing a strategic advantage and a chance to play to their strengths. However, the challenge remains universal as every student must tackle one test question.

Year 4 Student May Bach is relieved she gets to choose her own exam question.

Moreover, we place a significant emphasis on professional demeanor, which accounts for 25% of each student’s grade. During these oral exams, a board of professors assesses not just the students' knowledge and application skills, but also their ability to effectively communicate and connect with their "patients." This aspect of the assessment process is critical in developing the soft skills necessary for any successful practitioner.

Despite the inevitable nerves associated with exams, our method transforms anxiety into enthusiasm, energizing students as they demonstrate their competence. By reinventing our assessment methods, EIIHS not only prepares students academically but also professionally, ensuring they graduate as well-rounded, empathetic practitioners ready to make a difference in the holistic health community.

Year 3 students Kamil Qandil and Eleftheria Spyridaki preparing for a lengthy oral exam.

This progressive approach to testing is just one of the ways EIIHS is leading the way in innovative education for Traditional Chinese Medicine, ensuring our students are not only knowledgeable but truly prepared to excel in their future careers.