Protocol for Marking and Moderation

1. Definitions. The Institute uses the following terms, based on QAA guidance in relation to marking and moderation
QAA: UK Quality Code for Higher Education: Chapter B6 Assessment of Students /
QAA: Understanding assessment: its role in safeguarding academic standards and quality in higher education: A guide for early career staff (September 2012) / QAA Glossary

Second marking: Assessment of students' work by two (or more) independent markers as a means of safeguarding or assuring academic standards by controlling for individual bias. Types of second marking acceptable at BAMSI include:

• ​Double marking: Where each examiner makes a separate judgement and in the event of disagreement a resolution is sought. (Double marking can be open or blind).
• Check marking: Where the second marker determines whether the mark awarded by the first marker is appropriate and confirms it if appropriate (by definition, this can only be open marking).

Second marking can be open or blind:

• Open marking: Where the second marker is informed of the first marker's mark before commencing
• Blind marking: Where the second marker is not informed of the first marker's mark before commencing

Auditing: An audit of assessment material is distinct from second marking. Auditing is an additional check to ensure that all pages/questions have been marked (by both markers) and that marks have been totaled correctly and there are no arithmetical or other errors in the marking process. As no academic decisions are taking place, auditing can be carried out by an administrative member of staff. By definition, auditing can only take place once second marking has occurred.

Moderation: A process intended to assure that an assessment outcome is fair and reliable and that assessment criteria have been applied consistently. Moderation focuses on the marks awarded to the full set of assessed work for a task, module or programme in the context of the academic standards for the award. It is therefore separate from the question of how differences in marks between two or more markers are resolved and is not about making changes to an individual student’s marks.

Marking Processes
At BAMSI, internal second marking is the norm for the marking of written assessments which count towards a student’s degree classification (i.e. marking is carried by at least two markers). The markers use either blind or open double marking or check marking. Where there are differences in marks for individual assignments, questions, etc., these may be resolved between the markers themselves or with the intervention of a third party. The third party is normally an Institute Examiner, but may also be an External Examiner.

Sampling Protocol
A sampling process is clearly identified for each programme which is based upon the number of students within the cohort. This will normally be material from the top, the middle and the bottom of the range, all borderline (+/-3%) material and all material assessed internally as failures. Sampling should concentrate on the boundaries of classification and should normally be between 30% and 100% of assessed work. A range such as;

2. Good Practice for Marking and Moderation

The following examples of good practice with regard to second marking and moderation

• A marking criteria for each assessment and model answers should be provided to the markers (and External Examiners)
• Departments should let their External Examiners and students know the method of marking used per assignment e.g. open or blind double marking or check marking.
• Double marking (blind or open) is considered good practice
• All scripts/essays/reports/dissertations and coursework (which counts towards a candidate’s final degree classification) should be annotated to show 1st and 2nd marking has taken place
• For double marking, a marking cover note should indicate 1st and 2nd markers’ assessment per question
• For check marking, a marking cover note should indicate whether the 2nd marker agrees with the first marker
• Different colored pens should been used by each marker
• Each marker should initial each page to confirm it has been read
• All comments from each marker with regards to marks awarded should be included
• Each marker should indicate whether they are acting as an Institute Examiner, Assistant Examiner or Assessor and whether they are acting as first or second marker
• Markers should know in advance how differences in marks will be resolved
• Where a 3rd party intervenes when marks cannot be agreed by the first and second marker this should be clearly noted on the cover note. (The third party should normally be another Institute Examiner, but may be the External Examiner)
• An explanation should be provided on how final marks were agreed where marks awarded by each marker differ
• Each marker should sign to confirm agreed marks
• It is good practice to carry out an audit of scripts prior to sending to the External Examiner(s).
• An adequate sample of scripts/essays/reports/dissertations and coursework (which counts towards a candidates final degree classification) should be made available for External Examiner(s) to view – this will normally be material from the top, the middle and the bottom of the range, all borderline(+/-3%) material and all material assessed internally as failures.
• It is recommended that, where students are taught and assessed by a partner institution/organization, the students work should be checked by a BAMSI Examiner (a sample of work is acceptable).
• Use the Cross-Moderation Sheet for all courses and course work assessed

Excellence in Teaching: The Excellence in Teaching and Adjunct Excellence in Teaching Award identifies and individually recognizes BAMSI full-time and adjunct faculty member who has consistently demonstrated excellence in teaching to their students and the Institute.

The Exemplary Faculty Award recognizes a full-time faculty member at BAMSI who exemplifies excellence in teaching; civility and concern for students and colleagues; commitment to a value centered education; and service to students, the institution and the community. Award recipients will be selected based on the following criteria:

Be a full-time BAMSI faculty member. Show evidence of a long-term commitment to effective undergraduate teaching. Have an exceptional reputation as a teacher in terms of knowledge of the subject, course organization, clarity of instruction, and availability to students. Serve as a mentor, and role model for students. Demonstrate concern for student welfare in areas beyond academic studies. Be recognized as a competent scholar and be engaged in professional-level experiences. Provide service to the Institute, the profession, and the greater community. Embody the selfless motto through engagement/activities with colleagues, students, and the community.

Faculty will be nominated by the campus community. The Exemplary Faculty Award will be presented during the May Commencement Ceremony.

Gifts: Prior to acceptance of gifts for Institute use, approval of the Executive Director is required. All such gifts become the property of the BAMSI.

Travel: The appropriate supervisor must approve requests for travel. Instructors must complete all required forms for travel a minimum of 5 working days prior to travel. See Human Resources for more information.