Two-Stage Final Exams: An Assessment Strategy for Enhanced Collaborative Learning and Reduced Student Stress

Two-stage exams, which pair a traditional individual exam with a subsequent collaborative, group exam, have been shown to enhance learning, retention, and student attitudes in midterm settings. This study investigates whether these benefits extend to final exam settings, compares the traditional final exam experience with a two-stage variation, and explores using an asynchronous group component to maintain the exam’s comprehensive nature. Within introductory courses at two different institutions, two formats for two-stage exams were implemented: one with a 2-hour individual exam followed by a 1-hour synchronous group exam and another with a 3-hour individual exam followed by an untimed, asynchronous group exam completed within 36 hours. Survey data comparing student experiences with two-stage midterm and final exams showed consistently positive responses at both institutions. When comparing two-stage final exams to traditional (individual-only) final exams, students reported greater perceived learning and anticipated retention, decreased anxiety, and an overwhelming preference for the two-stage format. These findings suggest that implementing a two-stage format for the final is feasible without compromising the evaluative purpose of a final exam, while maintaining high student motivation and engagement.