An even better solution would be to focus on the stuff that matters. A given question in a typical mathematics or engineering type test generally falls into thr

An even better solution would be to focus on the stuff that matters. A given question in a typical mathematics or engineering type test generally falls into three categories of testing— 1. Ability to identify the right methodology; 2. Memorisation of all steps of that methodology; 3. Ability to execute the methodology correctly; Parts 1 and 3 are important to demonstrate learning, whereas in the real world 2 is not. Denying books and notes only penalises children who have difficulty with 2, which is stupid.