The Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) scripts are now being marked digitally, resulting in a more efficient and streamlined process. The Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board (SEAB) has implemented on-screen marking (OSM) for all PSLE subjects since 2022, reducing the number of teachers required for marking duties by half.
Source: SINGAPORE EXAMINATIONS AND ASSESSMENTS BOARD
PSLE Scripts Transition to On-Screen Marking
The days of teachers poring over physical PSLE scripts with pens in hand are now a thing of the past. In fact, with the introduction of OSM, which involves digitally marking examination scripts on a computer screen, the number of teachers deployed for marking has decreased from 14,000 to approximately 7,000.
Reduced Marking Days
Moreover, the shift to the digital marking of PSLE scripts has led to a reduction in the number of marking days. In 2023, the duration of PSLE marking was cut down from four days to just three days. This change has significantly optimized the overall examination process.
Source: SINGAPORE EXAMINATIONS AND ASSESSMENTS BOARD
450,000 Marked Locally Each Year
The PSLE scripts and other locally marked Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education (GCE) examinations make up about 450,000 scripts that Singapore assesses annually.
Notably, the OSM system, which SEAB first introduced in 2019, has revolutionized the way educators evaluate these scripts.
Educators Reflect on the Impact of Digital PSLE Scripts Marking
Educators involved in marking PSLE scripts have observed notable changes brought about by the OSM system.
For instance, Mr Seet Chia Song, a 14-year veteran of PSLE marking, noted that the OSM system has reduced the time required for standardisation sessions, which ensure a common understanding of marking criteria among markers, by half.
However, Mr Seet also acknowledged that the shift to digital marking has diminished the human-to-human interaction that was present in the traditional marking process.
Principals Highlight Benefits of On-Screen Marking
Mr Chew Mun Wai, principal of Xing Hua Primary School and a chief marker for the PSLE for the past five years, emphasized that the OSM system has made the marking process less labour-intensive.
More importantly, with the elimination of manual handling and accounting for physical PSLE scripts, the logistics have become more manageable.
Furthermore, Mr Chew noted that the time saved from the reduction of manual processes has contributed to the decrease in PSLE marking days from four to three.
As the marking of PSLE scripts continues to evolve with technological advancements, parents can take comfort in knowing that the assessment process is becoming more efficient and less burdensome for educators.
Consequently, this shift allows teachers to focus more on their primary role of nurturing and guiding students in their educational journey.
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