Presentation Description
Sean Gehring1
Jon Dupre2, Viren Naik3 and Paul Glover2
1 The Royal College of Dentists of Canada
2 risr/
3 Medical Council of Canada
Jon Dupre2, Viren Naik3 and Paul Glover2
1 The Royal College of Dentists of Canada
2 risr/
3 Medical Council of Canada
Background:
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted education systems worldwide, forcing a swift shift towards remote learning and alternative assessment methodologies. As the pandemic recedes, educators and policymakers are contemplating the future directions of high- stakes assessment to accommodate the lessons learned and capitalize on newfound opportunities. This panel session delves into the key aspects that will shape the landscape of high-stakes assessment in the post-COVID era.
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted education systems worldwide, forcing a swift shift towards remote learning and alternative assessment methodologies. As the pandemic recedes, educators and policymakers are contemplating the future directions of high- stakes assessment to accommodate the lessons learned and capitalize on newfound opportunities. This panel session delves into the key aspects that will shape the landscape of high-stakes assessment in the post-COVID era.
Why is the topic important for practice:
The panel will discuss the necessity for flexibility and adaptability in future assessment design. The pandemic exposed the limitations of traditional paper-based exams and standardized testing, underscoring the need for diversified assessment methods that accommodate different formats and contexts. The panel will examine the role of technology in reshaping assessment practices. The accelerated adoption of digital tools during the pandemic laid the groundwork for embracing technology-driven assessment methodologies and enhancing the authenticity, security, and personalized feedback in high-stakes assessments.
The panel will discuss the necessity for flexibility and adaptability in future assessment design. The pandemic exposed the limitations of traditional paper-based exams and standardized testing, underscoring the need for diversified assessment methods that accommodate different formats and contexts. The panel will examine the role of technology in reshaping assessment practices. The accelerated adoption of digital tools during the pandemic laid the groundwork for embracing technology-driven assessment methodologies and enhancing the authenticity, security, and personalized feedback in high-stakes assessments.
Next, the panel will address the importance of addressing equity and inclusivity concerns. COVID-19 exacerbated existing educational disparities, disproportionately affecting marginalized students. As high-stakes assessments impact students' future opportunities, it is crucial to ensure fairness and mitigate biases in assessment content and delivery, safeguarding against further inequities. Finally, the panel will consider how the remote testing and online proctoring became prevalent, raising concerns about the validity and security of results. Moving forward, a hybrid approach that combines in-person and virtual testing may emerge to strike a balance between accessibility and maintaining the integrity of assessments.
Symposium format, including participant engagement methods:
Panel discussions will explore the role of technology in reshaping assessment practices, address equity concerns, and examine the emergence of hybrid assessment approaches. Engaging the audience through Q&A, real- world scenario activities, and reflective discussions, the symposium aims to empower educators and policymakers to reimagine assessment for a more equitable and effective educational landscape.
Panel discussions will explore the role of technology in reshaping assessment practices, address equity concerns, and examine the emergence of hybrid assessment approaches. Engaging the audience through Q&A, real- world scenario activities, and reflective discussions, the symposium aims to empower educators and policymakers to reimagine assessment for a more equitable and effective educational landscape.
Take-home messages / symposium outcomes:
The post-COVID era presents an opportune moment for educators and policymakers to reimagine high-stakes assessment. By embracing flexibility, technology, inclusivity, and competency-based frameworks, the future of assessment can evolve into a more equitable, relevant, and effective system, empowering students to thrive in an ever-changing world.
The post-COVID era presents an opportune moment for educators and policymakers to reimagine high-stakes assessment. By embracing flexibility, technology, inclusivity, and competency-based frameworks, the future of assessment can evolve into a more equitable, relevant, and effective system, empowering students to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Participants will leave the session:
- With the ability to discuss the opportunities and challenges technological advances present in high stakes assessments
- With examples of what other organizations perceive as acceptable risk/reward trade- offs in different aspects of assessment development and delivery
- An appreciation for the impact the choices made during the design and implementation of assessment systems impact the EDI of test takers.
References (maximum three)
Morin, M., Alves, C., & De Champlain, A. (2021). The show must go on: Lessons learned from using remote proctoring in a high-stakes medical licensing exam program in response to severe disruption. Journal of Applied Testing Technology, 23, 15-35.
Joyce P, Cassidy D, Kenna L. Evaluation of Virtual Assessment for a High Stakes' Clinical Examination-Physician Assistant Students' and Their Examiners' Perspectives. J Physician Assist Educ. 2023 Jul 27. doi: 10.1097/JPA.0000000000000516. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 37498782.