The methodologist assessed the risks and advantages of the new format for testing knowledge about history

The introduction of an oral history interview as an admission to the state final assessment (GIA) can help test not only the knowledge of facts, but also the ability of schoolchildren to analyze events, build cause-effect relationships and argue their position. Lyudmila Staver, a methodologist for history and social studies at Online School No. 1, told Izvestia on September 4.

"The "off/off" assessment format is justified in this case, since the main task of the interview is not to rank students, but to test basic skills in working with historical material. An oral answer allows us to assess how well a student is able to consistently talk about an event, explain its causes and consequences, and formulate his own position," the expert explained.

At the same time, Staver noted, any mandatory test can affect the content of the training. There is a risk that schools will begin to prepare students primarily for the requirements of the exam, but much depends on which skills the interview will test. If the test is based on the ability to build a coherent historical narrative, highlight the main things, analyze facts and establish connections between events, preparation for it can become part of a full-fledged study of the subject, rather than a mechanical memorization of the material.

According to the expert, the new format will become an additional stage of preparation for the GIA for ninth graders. At the same time, it will require the development of oral speech skills, which in school practice is sometimes given less attention than written assignments. Even now, Staver noted, it is useful for students to practice retelling historical topics, highlighting key facts, explaining the causes of events and answering questions about the material. This approach will make preparation a part of the regular learning process.

For teachers, the introduction of an interview will also become an additional burden. Teachers will need to adapt classes, pay more attention to oral answers, argumentation and the development of analytical skills.

The expert stressed that an increase in the number of compulsory tests can really increase the burden on schoolchildren. However, it is important that the new interview does not turn into another formal exam.

According to Staver, if properly organized, such a format can become a tool for developing universal skills that go beyond the school subject. It's about the ability to work with historical sources, analyze information, separate the main from the secondary, and argue your own point of view. According to the expert, such skills help students to better navigate a large amount of information and can be useful not only when passing the GIA, but also in further education.

The Minister of Education of the Russian Federation Sergey Kravtsov announced on the same day that they plan to make an oral history exam for 9th grade students a prerequisite for admission to the state final certification. According to him, the exam will be evaluated in the "credit/non-credit" format. The introduction of a new knowledge test is planned in two years.