Embracing Human Assessment in Education

These past two weeks, I have immersed myself in reading over 600,000 words of student writing. Every June, during exam marking time, I dedicate myself to this task.

I noticed very little AI in these essays. However, one student caught my attention. They quoted my own writing but attributed it to a fictitious source created by the AI. This incident highlights the ongoing conversation about AI in education. Today, I want to focus on my use of AI as a lecturer and assessor.

The Intensity of Assessment

Assessment is an intense process. For hours, I engage with one mind after another. Each student answers the same question differently, reflecting their unique interests and life experiences. A friend once asked why I don't use AI to mark essays and save time. My response is clear: never.

Paulo Freire emphasized that education is always a dialogue. Whenever I teach, I learn. If I am not learning, my students suffer. When I learn, my students feel valued. They share their thoughts, trust me, and explore ideas. As educators, we are pushed towards curiosity, humility, and excellence. Marking essays is part of this ongoing conversation. It helps me understand my students, the subject matter, and myself.

Learning from Essays

As I read these thousands of words, I identify the skills my students need to develop. I notice social patterns and emerging concerns. For instance, I have received more essays on populism and English nationalism than ever before. I discover new perspectives and explore how students connect ideas.

I am also aware of the hopes and efforts behind each sentence. Each cramped paragraph and fluid prose represents a person who has taken the risk to share a piece of themselves. This is a great honour. When I assign a mark, I consider its impact. How can I entrust such a significant task to a machine? A machine cannot understand the anxiety that affects writing or appreciate a student's determination to write an essay on an old phone when their computer fails.

The Need for Human Assessment

In an age of AI, we need more human assessment, not less. Assessment is not just about numbers; it is about the conversation that shapes both learner and educator. It involves the vulnerability of sharing our thoughts and the courage that education demands. Ultimately, assessment is about justice, and only humans can determine what is fair.

It is also about assessors becoming better humans. This growth enables us to teach more effectively, remain humble, and remember that teaching is an art, a vocation, and a science. I will always express my frustrations in June because marking is exhausting. However, I take this honour seriously. I am proud of my students for their hard work and courage.

Expanding Horizons in Education

At ThinkersMeetUp, we believe in expanding horizons. Our courses are designed to encourage exploration and growth. For example, in our English classes, we teach scholars how to express their thoughts clearly and confidently. This skill is essential for effective communication in today's world.

A tip to think about: spend some time in nature with no goal other than enjoying nature and each other. This can foster creativity and connection.

Remember that a key goal of education is to expand horizons. Expose your Thinkers to a variety of topics, subjects, ideas, and personalities. What they become interested in might surprise you! Learning something you are not interested in is also a great lesson about yourself. Don't be afraid to try new things! At TMU, we design our courses so you can explore deeply for a term. This allows Thinkers to learn about themselves while expanding their knowledge base.

In conclusion, the human touch in assessment is irreplaceable. It fosters a rich dialogue between educators and scholars, promoting growth and understanding. Let's continue to value this essential aspect of education.