Two University lecturers have launched an online petition calling on the Ministry of Education to give students the option to do their examinations in writing, orally, or using a word processor.

Dr Ruth Falzon and Juan Camilleri in their petition explain that a number of students are failing their national examinations due to the lack of choice offered in the medium of expression during examinations.

"Despite studying hard and knowing the material, many students are not   able to demonstrate their knowledge during an exam, because of challenges they experience with reading and/or writing. This is a brain drain on our community, so disheartening for intelligent and talented students, particularly students with Specific Learning Difficulties, and possibly also impacting the economy of the country. There is an urgent need to consider the introduction of additional media of expression to offer full access to examinations in particular the SEC and MATSEC," they said.

The proposal is to offer all students the option to take oral examinations, or to use a word processor (e.g. laptop) during examinations, instead of writing them by hand. The preferred medium of choice will be noted on the final certificate (e.g. Oral History), hence protecting the interest and capabilities of students who have reading, writing and spelling skills, whilst promoting communication and public speaking skills, all of which are often very important skills at the workplace.

The lecturers acknowledged that their proposal needed to be discussed and reflected upon from a logistics perspective and to ensure that the procedure was rigorous.

See petition at http://www.filedropper.com/petitionoralexaminations