One positive outcome of the pandemic was LAMDA’s introduction of online exams, also known as ‘Remote Online Assessments’ (ROAs). This innovation has allowed students from around the globe, including those in remote areas, to earn prestigious LAMDA qualifications from the comfort of their homes.
Deciding Between Online and In-Person LAMDA Exams
Many parents ask whether their child should take their LAMDA exam online or in person. My recommendation is to always consult the student, as they are the ones taking the exam. Both formats have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Online Exams: Familiarity and Comfort
With online exams, the examiner enters the student’s familiar learning environment, which can be a significant advantage, especially for nervous students. Conducting the exam in a well-known space where they’ve rehearsed can ease anxiety and enhance performance. However, the downside is the lack of the vibrant atmosphere found at public examination centres.
In-Person Exams: Energy and Excitement
In contrast, in-person exams are held at examination centres buzzing with students from around the country. Being in such a lively environment can inject excitement and energy into the student’s performance on the day, making the whole exam experience more thrilling. However, some students might find this setting overwhelming, and the unfamiliarity could increase their anxiety, negatively impacting their performance.
Adapting Your Performance
Regardless of the exam format, students must adapt their performance to their environment. In online exams, students need to treat the camera and microphone as the examiner’s eyes and ears, favouring their performance to the camera and microphone on their device. They should also consider the examiner as part of a wider audience.
For in-person exams, students must adjust their performance to the room’s size while being aware of the examiner’s position, and similarly, treat the examiner as part of a wider audience.
Choosing the Right Format
A student’s main consideration when deciding on their exam format is to ask themselves whether being in an unfamiliar environment with other LAMDA students will energize or stress them. Online exams provide a comfortable, familiar setting, ideal for those who might be overwhelmed by a bustling exam centre. In-person exams offer a dynamic environment that can enhance the performance of those who thrive on energy and excitement.
By weighing these factors, students can decide which format would help them get the best result possible in their next LAMDA exam.
Do you want your child to develop their confidence in communication and a mastery of their public speaking skills through the LAMDA exam framework? Get in touch or call +44 (0)20 8064 0549.
