Why is it important that the final exam is closed book?

The significance of having a closed book exam primarily lies in encouraging memorization of content. When students know that they cannot refer to their notes or textbooks during the exam, they are more likely to invest the time and effort into thoroughly understanding and remembering the material. This type of exam assesses not just knowledge recall but also the ability to integrate and apply that knowledge effectively.

In a closed book scenario, students develop a deeper engagement with the subject matter, which can enhance retention and comprehension. The pressure of not being able to consult external resources forces students to fully grasp the necessary concepts and terminology, thereby reinforcing their learning and preparation for real-life situations where immediate access to resources might not be feasible.

Other aspects, such as test-taking time or minimizing distractions, while relevant to the exam structure, do not inherently relate to the core educational goal of fostering deep learning and understanding of the material. The prevention of note-sharing applies more to maintaining the integrity of the testing environment rather than directly contributing to the learning objectives associated with closed book examinations.