The role of the reviewer in the age of digital assessment

While technology is dramatically changing the world of digital assessment, human input remains essential. Although often overlooked, the test evaluator or corrector is very important when assessing open-ended questions. In this article, we dive deeper into this role and show how Optimum Assessment’s assessment software can support it.   

Open questions in a world of closed questions

There is much to be said for closed questions in a digital testing environment: they are objective and quick to assess. But open-ended questions also offer unique value. Even in a digital assessment, they provide more comprehensive insight into the candidate’s knowledge level and thought process.

The role of the open-ended question assessor

Correctors are an important pawn in ensuring fair and objective digital assessment. The assessor (as with written tests) manually checks the open-ended test questions and processes the score (and any feedback) into the system. The key here is to be as objective and consistent as possible.

Assessment software and the assessor

Digital assessment software can greatly support the assessor in their work. Take Optimum Marking: its central dashboard allows you to manage the correction process. Such as workflow-assistance options, which can be used with colleagues to efficiently and pragmatically divide the workload. Or the option to add comments for later correction rounds. And, of course, AI support during the correction process!

Collaboration as an answer to subjectivity

Don’t we all strive for accuracy and fairness in assessment? One way to reduce subjectivity is to collaborate with other proofreaders. Our software’s innovative workflow management features allow multiple correctors to review specific sections of an exam. This helps reduce potential bias in assessments. For example, you can focus on question 1 while a colleague focuses on question 2. This allows us to avoid the HORN or HALO effect when grading open-ended questions.

Innovation while maintaining human value

Even though we live in the digital age, the assessor is still indispensable for open-ended questions. We understand that at Optimum Assessment all too well. That is why we have developed Optimum Marking, a tool that does not replace the role of test assessor, but rather enhances it. Are you ready for the future of assessment? Then contact us.