Yhteisymmärrystutkinto

Yhteisymmärrystutkinto, often translated as "consensus examination" or "joint understanding examination," is a Finnish educational assessment method used primarily in higher education. Its core principle is to evaluate a student's understanding of a subject matter through a process where the student and the examiner jointly strive to reach a shared comprehension of the material. Unlike traditional exams that focus solely on the examiner's assessment of the student's knowledge, this approach emphasizes dialogue and collaborative learning.

During a yhteisymmärrystutkinto, the student is expected to articulate their knowledge and reasoning. The examiner, rather than simply asking questions and marking answers, engages in a discussion with the student. The goal is to explore the student's thought processes, identify any gaps in understanding, and collectively work towards clarifying concepts. This can involve the examiner posing challenging questions, presenting counterarguments, or guiding the student through complex problems to assess their ability to adapt and deepen their knowledge.

The success of a yhteisymmärrystutkinto depends heavily on the open communication and mutual respect between the student and the examiner. It aims to move beyond rote memorization and assess a student's ability to critically analyze, synthesize information, and articulate their understanding in a coherent and well-reasoned manner. This method can be particularly useful for subjects that involve complex theories, problem-solving, or require a deep conceptual grasp rather than factual recall.