Menu
23/08/2006
On-screen exam marking 'a success'
Northern Ireland’s exams body, the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA), has praised a pilot project to mark GCSE examination papers on screen a success.
The CCEA today said that the approach of using software to mark scanned images of examination scripts displayed on computer screens improves the standard of marking and speeds up the process of awarding grades, plus it could mean the end of handling heavy boxes of paper scripts for examiners.
The pilot involved over 50 examiners and around 5,000 students sitting examinations in GCSE English Literature and ICT.
CCEA Director of Operations Neil Anderson explained why the work had been undertaken: “Firstly we wanted to see if we could meet the technological challenge of scanning and electronically marking 1000s of exam papers and I’m pleased to say we’ve done that. We also wanted to be certain that there were real benefits for examiners and students to be gained from marking exam papers on-screen.
“I’m particularly pleased that this approach adds value to the quality of marking. For example, even before examiners are allowed to mark live scripts they are required to mark a number of questions which have been standardised by senior examiners. Only when examiners have demonstrated that they are marking to the agreed standard are they able to proceed with marking live scripts. This process continues throughout the marking process, ensuring standards are maintained.”
Mr Anderson continued by saying that another benefit of on-screen marking is that throughout the process a Chief Examiner can monitor both the standards and the progress being made by the marking team, with ongoing support and guidance being provided to examiners on-line as required, greatly speeding up the quality assurance process.
Monitoring of marking standards throughout the process removes the need for the traditional review of standards which takes place only after all marking has been completed.
He added: “The use of computers also removes the need for examiners to tot up candidates’ scores, as this is done automatically as the scripts are marked.
The overall activity of marking and awarding grades could be shortened by up to a week allowing for results to be issued earlier.”
Looking ahead as to whether CCEA will now be marking all scripts this way, Mr Anderson continued: “Having proved the technology works and that this approach delivers real benefits, we now have to consider two major challenges before agreeing on the next steps.
“Firstly, CCEA employs in the region of 3,000 examiners each year, all of whom would have to be trained in on-screen marking. Secondly, to roll this out over our full suite of GCSE, GCE and other qualifications would mean a considerable investment for CCEA and the forthcoming Education and Skills Authority (ESA). These are major decisions that will only be made after considerable thought and analysis.”
The Northern Ireland GCSE results statistics will be published on Thursday 24 August 2006.
(EF)
The CCEA today said that the approach of using software to mark scanned images of examination scripts displayed on computer screens improves the standard of marking and speeds up the process of awarding grades, plus it could mean the end of handling heavy boxes of paper scripts for examiners.
The pilot involved over 50 examiners and around 5,000 students sitting examinations in GCSE English Literature and ICT.
CCEA Director of Operations Neil Anderson explained why the work had been undertaken: “Firstly we wanted to see if we could meet the technological challenge of scanning and electronically marking 1000s of exam papers and I’m pleased to say we’ve done that. We also wanted to be certain that there were real benefits for examiners and students to be gained from marking exam papers on-screen.
“I’m particularly pleased that this approach adds value to the quality of marking. For example, even before examiners are allowed to mark live scripts they are required to mark a number of questions which have been standardised by senior examiners. Only when examiners have demonstrated that they are marking to the agreed standard are they able to proceed with marking live scripts. This process continues throughout the marking process, ensuring standards are maintained.”
Mr Anderson continued by saying that another benefit of on-screen marking is that throughout the process a Chief Examiner can monitor both the standards and the progress being made by the marking team, with ongoing support and guidance being provided to examiners on-line as required, greatly speeding up the quality assurance process.
Monitoring of marking standards throughout the process removes the need for the traditional review of standards which takes place only after all marking has been completed.
He added: “The use of computers also removes the need for examiners to tot up candidates’ scores, as this is done automatically as the scripts are marked.
The overall activity of marking and awarding grades could be shortened by up to a week allowing for results to be issued earlier.”
Looking ahead as to whether CCEA will now be marking all scripts this way, Mr Anderson continued: “Having proved the technology works and that this approach delivers real benefits, we now have to consider two major challenges before agreeing on the next steps.
“Firstly, CCEA employs in the region of 3,000 examiners each year, all of whom would have to be trained in on-screen marking. Secondly, to roll this out over our full suite of GCSE, GCE and other qualifications would mean a considerable investment for CCEA and the forthcoming Education and Skills Authority (ESA). These are major decisions that will only be made after considerable thought and analysis.”
The Northern Ireland GCSE results statistics will be published on Thursday 24 August 2006.
(EF)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 May 2015
Sinn Féin To Attend Events Marking Prince Charles Visit
Sinn Féin Leader Gerry Adams has announced representatives from the party will attend events marking Prince Charles's visit to Ireland. The prince will be accompanied by his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall, as they travel to both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Mr Adams stated the visit is a chance to develop "a healing process".
Sinn Féin To Attend Events Marking Prince Charles Visit
Sinn Féin Leader Gerry Adams has announced representatives from the party will attend events marking Prince Charles's visit to Ireland. The prince will be accompanied by his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall, as they travel to both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Mr Adams stated the visit is a chance to develop "a healing process".
03 October 2001
Exams body admits to AS level marking blunder
An English examination marking body has admitted that pupils at a Derry school were given the wrong exam results following an administrative blunder.
Exams body admits to AS level marking blunder
An English examination marking body has admitted that pupils at a Derry school were given the wrong exam results following an administrative blunder.
10 September 2009
Goggins Announces Publication Of Policing Book
Minister of State Paul Goggins has announced that the British and Irish governments are supporting the production of a book to mark the tenth anniversary of the publication of the Report of the Independent Commission on Policing for Northern Ireland.
Goggins Announces Publication Of Policing Book
Minister of State Paul Goggins has announced that the British and Irish governments are supporting the production of a book to mark the tenth anniversary of the publication of the Report of the Independent Commission on Policing for Northern Ireland.
11 December 2018
Outrage As Stormont Spends Over £1,000 On Cakes Marking Universal Credit
A Stormont department has been widely criticised for spending £1,125 on cakes to celebrate the rollout of Universal Credit in Northern Ireland. Civil servants feasted on the sweet treats to mark the occasion after a busy period introducing the scheme, which combines six benefits into one single payment.
Outrage As Stormont Spends Over £1,000 On Cakes Marking Universal Credit
A Stormont department has been widely criticised for spending £1,125 on cakes to celebrate the rollout of Universal Credit in Northern Ireland. Civil servants feasted on the sweet treats to mark the occasion after a busy period introducing the scheme, which combines six benefits into one single payment.
16 January 2004
Invest NI back CE marking to help exporters
Invest Northern Ireland's CE marking programme is aiming to help local companies address safety issues more effectively and to become more competitive in export markets.
Invest NI back CE marking to help exporters
Invest Northern Ireland's CE marking programme is aiming to help local companies address safety issues more effectively and to become more competitive in export markets.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
