In order to help women score better grades, the University of Oxford is planning to launch a “takeout” exam as a component of its history course. Out of the five exams in the final year of Oxford University’s history programme, one will be replaced by a paper that can be done from home.
The aim of introducing this paper will be to help female students improve their marks and bridge the performance gap between male and female candidates’ first class degree. This paper will be introduced from the academic session 2018-19.
According to the data collected from various newspapers, the performance gap is maximum for History courses offered by the Oxford University. However, Women and men perform equally well in submitted work. Therefore, the university has decided that a takeout exam will be conducted with similar questions as asked in the timed exam.
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According to the data of the University, 32% of women achieved a first class degree in history at Oxford, whereas, 37% men got the first class degree.
The Cambridge University is also reviewing its exam system in order to reduce the 9% performance between male and female students across all subjects. The University is trying to come up with effective ways to mitigate the performance gap.
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According to the statement revealed by the Oxford University, the performance gap in the two genders has led to the assessment of the exam system. The University also stated that gender gap is the only exception and that timed exams that will remain an integral part of the curriculum.