Ensuring Transparency, Reliability and Fairness Through E-Marking

The Aga Khan University Examination Board (AKU-EB) invited representatives from IBCC (Inter Board Committee of Chairmen), school principals and journalists during the past week for an observation of the AKU-EB system and its exclusive seeding and e-marking processes used in the assessment of its SSC and HSSC annual examination papers.

With a vision to improve the quality of education in Pakistan, AKU-EB is at the leading edge of the science of assessment and examination technology in the country. Its uniqueness lays in the fact that it makes quality examinations of international standard a reality for Pakistani students. In Pakistan examination boards serve only in a 'certification' capacity, whereas AKU-EB is striving to bring positive international repute to a qualification that is offered in Pakistan.

Observers were informed that the system not only maintains anonymity of students to the e-markers but also preserves the highest level of transparency, fairness and accuracy. Hence, the results given to the students reflect what they truly have strived for.

The participants also had an opportunity to visit the AKU-EB e-marking facility. Subject specialists from AKU-EB presented a live demonstration of the e-marking process, followed by a comprehensive presentation on the science behind AKU-EB's assessment practices.

Dr Naveed Yousuf (Associate Director, Assessment) commented that, "Assessment processes implemented by AKU-EB ensure validity, reliability and fairness through psychometric analysis of scores thereby maintaining international standards. We are committed to maintain a high level of integrity, transparency and confidentiality in the conduct of our examinations."

Procedures implemented for question development, their review and paper setting were also shared with the audience to inform about the rigorous measures taken to ensure quality and fairness to all.

Speaking at the occasion Dr Shehzad Jeeva, Director, AKU-EB said, "E-Marking is not only about scanning, software and e-markers, there is a 'Science of Assessment' behind what AKU-EB does for providing qualifications of international standards that are aligned with the National Curriculum of Pakistan."