sullesame

Sullesame is a neologism used in educational discourse to describe a focus on examinations as the organizing principle of teaching and assessment. The term derives from the Italian sull'esame, meaning “on the exam.” In pedagogy, sullesame refers to curricula, lesson plans, and classroom dialogues that are structured primarily around present and future tests, mapping learning activities to expected exam formats and scoring criteria. In discourse analysis, the concept describes how participants frame statements, justifications, and arguments by reference to exam requirements or outcomes.

The term appeared in Italian-language discussions in the early 2010s and has since been encountered in broader educational literature and online debates. Proponents argue that an exam-centered approach can improve alignment between instruction and assessment, provide clear benchmarks, and concentrate student effort on essential skills. Critics contend that it narrows the curriculum, reduces opportunities for creative or exploratory learning, and increases evaluation anxiety.

Examples of sullesame in use include teachers designing units whose tasks mirror past exam items, students prioritizing memorization of tested facts, and evaluations that emphasize format familiarity over conceptual understanding. The concept is often discussed in relation to broader debates about assessment-driven teaching, curriculum design, and student motivation.

Related topics include assessment, exam-oriented learning, curriculum design, and pedagogy. See also: test-enhanced learning, formative assessment.