Non-examinable

The adjective 'non-examinable' describes content, activities, or aspects of a course, curriculum, or subject matter that will not be assessed or evaluated through formal examinations. It signifies that the specific material, skill, or topic is considered important for understanding, participation, or general knowledge, but its mastery will not directly contribute to a student's grade or overall academic standing, typically being considered formative learning rather than summative. This often includes supplementary readings, group discussions, practical exercises, workshops, or projects whose primary purpose is to deepen comprehension and engage with the subject, rather than to test for recall of information.

Non-examinable meaning with examples

• The professor made it clear that while the guest lecture on post-modern art was fascinating, it was considered non-examinable. Students were encouraged to attend and participate, as it broadened their perspective, but no quiz questions would focus on the material discussed, meaning it was for personal enrichment.
• The weekly group discussions in the seminar were designed to foster critical thinking and engagement with the primary texts; however, they were deemed non-examinable. Attendance and participation were encouraged but not graded, so that students could engage with the material freely and without the pressure of an examination.
• As part of the introductory programming course, students were assigned a series of online tutorials; while essential for developing practical skills, they were classified as non-examinable. The knowledge gained would be necessary for upcoming assessed assignments, but the tutorials themselves would not be directly tested.
• The university emphasized that the study abroad program, though academically beneficial, included a significant cultural component deemed non-examinable. While considered important for international student experience, it was not directly graded and thus considered less stressful on student time, allowing for a more immersive adventure.
• The professor explained that the historical context sections of the textbook were non-examinable, and that while useful for enriching your understanding, you will not be explicitly tested on it; the core information would be. He said to focus on the theory but read the background too.