The document discusses the importance and challenges of assessment in education, particularly criticizing traditional examination methods that emphasize memorization over comprehension. It proposes open book examinations as a solution, which allow students to use notes and texts, testing their ability to apply knowledge rather than recall it. While open book exams have advantages, such as reducing cramming and enhancing information retrieval skills, they also present challenges like unequal access to resources and a learning curve for students unfamiliar with this format.