On 29 March, CTLE held a Professional Development Workshop on assessment and grades, which aimed to explore new ideas and approaches to assessment and grading that can facilitate deeper learning while minimizing stress and anxiety among students. Over 40 UM academic staff joined the event.

Prof. Spencer Benson, founder and director of Education Innovations International Consulting (Eii-Consulting, LLC) in Maryland, US, highlighted the importance of using newer technologies like e-portfolios and reflection pieces that push students to reflect and think and discussed how technology can be used to innovate assessment while reducing stress. He also talked about the importance of transparency in assessment through providing rubrics and setting clear goals to help students feel that the assessment is fair and to reduce their stress levels.

Regarding how teachers can balance assessing student learning with providing a supportive and stress-free learning environment, especially in the context of the pandemic and the rise of AI, he shared the need for educators to adapt to the new phase of AI, using it as a learning tool instead of a block.

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