Can Software Grade My Students' Papers?

Abstract

Writing remains a staple of academic evaluation instruments, and for good reason. Few other tools come close to writing in assessment of the student's ability to formulate coherent arguments, demonstrate critical thinking, and present explanations. Conscientious instructors mark-up and comment on student writing, evaluating its success in meeting content goals, structure, relevance of evidence, grammar, mechanics, and style. It is an exhausting and time-consuming process but remains the single best way to support developing writers and thinkers. Technology to detect patterns of errors and to offer feedback has evolved over time, but can the programs do what professors do? This chapter provides a status report on automated writing evaluation and its role in higher education. A balance can be struck between the efficiency of tech tools and professor judgment. Recommendations for automating and expediting the review of student writing are offered, with a focus on remote learning environments.