Anonymous Marking

Anonymous Marking - What You Need To Know

The University has implemented anonymous marking for centrally run exams. It is important that you are aware of the policy as it will have an impact on how students sit their exams and how exams are marked.

What is Anonymous Marking?
Anonymous marking means that when students sit their exams they are identified by their student ID number and not by their name. This helps ensure fairness and transparency throughout the exam process.

INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS

How will this affect me as a student?
The new policy will affect students at a number of key stages:

At the Exam Hall
Make sure to bring your student ID card with you.

1. Seat: Students will be grouped by module and course instance as normal, and seated in order of student ID number (and not by name).
2. Answer Book: You will write your student ID number only on the main section on the front of the answer book provided by the Examinations Office. Write your name on the side flap, remove the adhesive strip and fold over the flap. Your name will remain covered. See sample image below.

After the Exam
When requesting feedback from examiners (e.g. on consultation day), you must provide your student ID number and course instance to examiners.

Please note
Anonymous marking applies to all answer books provided at official written exams at NUI Galway. It may not apply to official MCQ exams, or to in-house / departmental exams.

INFORMATION FOR STAFF

How will this affect me as a staff member?
The new policy will affect staff at a number of key stages:

During the Exam
Students will be seated by student ID number and not by name. Should there be a requirement to identify missing students, consult with the Chief Invigilator at the exam centre.

After the Exam

1. Script order: Students will be grouped by module code and course instance and in order of student ID number at the exam centre. Scripts will be returned to staff in this order.
2. Answer Books: The answer books have been modified slightly. The student’s ID number is now the only identifier on the main section on the front, and their name is hidden under a flap on the side.
3. Recording Marks: Record all marks on the answer book as normal, without lifting the flap on the side.
4. Uploading Marks to Grade Centre: For large modules with multiple course instance codes, we recommend creating Smart Views and sorting by student ID number. See instructions here.
5. Student names: In the exceptional situation where it is impossible to identify the student from their student ID number provided, the student’s name may be uncovered. When this occurs, note the reasons for opening the flap on the answer book.
6. Follow-up: Record the number of scripts where the name is revealed at module level and provide this information to the external examiner in the subject area.
7. Attendance Sheets: Attendance sheets will be provided with exam scripts by student ID number, and will no longer include students’ names.
8. Student Feedback: When requesting feedback from examiners (e.g. on consultation day), students have been advised to provide their student ID number and course instance to examiners.

Please note
Anonymous marking applies to all answer books provided at official written exams at University of Galway. It may not apply to official MCQ exams, or to in-house / departmental exams.

Proposal to Implement Anonymous Marking in 201718

Policy Statement on Implementation of Anonymous Marking