Sunday 15 November 2009
GCSE makes you better than Hemingway...
A proposed new computerised marking system for A-Level English exams, has failed some of the most famous writers and orators that ever lived. The system was discussed last week at the Westminster Education Forum; a meeting which included heads of exam boards and the Charted Institute of Educational Assessors. It is thought that online marking will soon be introduced, with computers already marking some multiple choice GCSE papers and trials taking place for those which are essay based. Yet the system has encountered some flaws. Among those singled out for criticism, were Ernest Hemingway, for his 'lack of care in style of writing'; William Golding, for his 'innacurate and erratic sentance structure'; and Anthony Burgess for being 'incomprehensible'. Surely, if the 'classics' would have failed, it signifies against the popular belief, that A-Levels are actually getting harder? Or, at least, that it's more about a marking system than writing?
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That's so stupid! How can a computer program mark an A Level English essay?! I'm sure the money would be better spent elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteI know, it's ridiculous. I just hope they don't suddenly bring it in for ours! Surely money would be better spent on resources, teaching e.t.c?
ReplyDeleteYeah I really hope not - they shouldn't be able to though because it took them about 2-3 years to get rid of SATs and if they're still testing the system and it failed the 'classics' then surely it still needs a lot of revising until it's brought out nationwide.
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