Double marking of examinations, coursework and ISPs/dissertations
LTPC received requests from several faculties to re-consider the issue of double blind marking, and then canvassed opinion on various options. In favour of double blind marking was the need to ensure the appearance as well as the reality of impartiality, and the danger of second markers “marking” the first marker rather than the script. Arguments against truly blind marking included the specialist nature of SOAS courses, and the desirability of fully informed assessments. After an extensive discussion, LTPC (on 15 February) decided to accept the views of the majority of those who had made recommendations on the matter. LTPC decided to abandon the requirement that examination scripts should be BLIND double-marked. This decision will take effect immediately. The information below reminds staff of existing minimum requirements in respect of double marking.
Written examination scripts
Examination scripts must be double marked (but see Exemptions 1 and 2 below). Second markers are expected to reach an independent judgment, but may see the first marker’s marks and comments. Markers’ comments must not be written on the script itself (but see Exemption 3 below). Faculty Offices will make arrangements for providing markers with appropriate documentation for recording comments.
Exemption 1
Undergraduate examination scripts which do not count towards a student’s final classification do not have to be double marked unless the overall mark for the course for a particular student is below 43. This primarily affects courses taken by first year undergraduate students. Where the overall mark is 42 or below, the examination script must be double marked and referred to the Visiting Examiner.
Exemption 2
Some language courses have only one recognised teacher, making strict double marking impossible. In these cases, and subject to approval by the Dean, the script will be marked by an internal examiner and the marking will be overseen by a second internal “marker”.
Exemption 3
Markers’ comments may be made on examination scripts for language acquisition courses.
Coursework
As a minimum requirement, all coursework must be marked by one internal examiner and overseen by another. The procedure of overview should be approved by the Board of Examiners and the Visiting Examiner(s). It is not necessary for all coursework to be strictly double marked, although individual Boards of Examiners may choose to do so, particularly if their Visiting Examiner insists that they do so.
However, the School does require the double marking of coursework in the following circumstances:
- Undergraduate: for courses which are assessed 50% or more by coursework
- Postgraduate: for courses which are assessed more than 30% by coursework.
Independent Study Projects
ISPs and undergraduate dissertations must be double marked and referred to the Visiting Examiner. Markers’ comments should be made on separate documentation available from Faculty Offices.
Masters Dissertations
Postgraduate dissertations must be double marked and referred to the Visiting Examiner. Markers’ comments should be made on separate documentation available from Faculty Offices.
Academic Registrar
23 March 2006
