International Standards for Delivering Technology-based Assessments

The underlying idea behind any benchmarking lies in the desire or ambition to improve, which requires the use of a specific method. In the context of educational assessment, this method may take the form of a review, self-evaluation, or benchmarking against international standards. The exercise of self-evaluation, as a simplified form of initial benchmarking, carries a powerful message that signals the readiness for a culture of feedback exchange, where the most meaningful learning occurs. 

Recognizing the importance of self-evaluation, the International Association for Educational Assessment (IAEA) decided to develop not only a set of standards for assessment organizations – The International Standards for Educational Assessment Organisations (later referred as ‘the Standards’), but also implementation guidelines that begin with self-evaluation. This is a strategic approach to promoting a culture of reflection and continuous improvement, reinforcing the idea that, as in many other cases, the best teacher is ourselves, when we are open and honest about our current practices, without hesitation or pride. In this case, it is especially important to have competent evaluators or auditors who understand and follow the principles of this cycle, which is not only about demonstrating reputation through benchmarking, but also about promoting learning through the feedback-sharing process.

This article explores the benefits of benchmarking reviews in the digitalization of assessments and highlights how organizations are leveraging technology to modernize their processes. To learn more about these insights and advancements, read the full article here.