Learning to mark: a qualitative study of the experiences and concerns of medical markers
2006

Understanding the Marking Process in Medical Education

Sample size: 7 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Kamila Hawthorne, Fiona Wood, Kerenza Hood, Rebecca Cannings-John, Helen Houston

Primary Institution: Cardiff University

Hypothesis

What are the experiences and concerns of medical markers when assessing written assignments?

Conclusion

Markers' confidence in their marking improves with experience and clear guidance.

Supporting Evidence

  • Markers expressed concerns about their ability to mark fairly.
  • New markers felt insecure and sought feedback from experienced colleagues.
  • Calibration techniques were commonly used to improve marking reliability.

Takeaway

This study talks about how teachers feel when they grade students' papers and how they can get better at it with practice and help from others.

Methodology

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven GP tutors, focusing on their marking experiences.

Potential Biases

Markers may be influenced by their own experiences and the marking styles of others.

Limitations

The study has a small sample size and is specific to one type of assessment.

Participant Demographics

Participants included two new markers, two moderately experienced markers, and three experienced markers.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1472-6920-6-25

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