1. Collection and Initial Sorting:
* Secure Collection: Exam papers are collected carefully, often with invigilators checking student IDs against answer sheets to ensure accountability. Any irregularities are noted at this stage.
* Initial Organization: Papers are often bundled by class, subject, or sometimes even by room to facilitate easier handling. This may involve using exam envelopes or other methods to maintain integrity.
2. Marking and Grading:
* Anonymization (for larger exams): Student names might be removed or covered to prevent bias in marking. Each paper is often assigned a unique identifying number.
* Marking Scheme: A detailed marking scheme is used to ensure consistency and fairness in grading. This outlines the points awarded for each correct answer or step in a problem.
* Marking Process: Markers may grade individual questions or sections, or they may grade the entire paper at once. This depends on the nature of the exam and the institution’s policies. Often, multiple markers are used, especially for high-stakes exams, to minimize bias and improve reliability.
* Quality Control: Some exams involve a process of double-marking (or even triple-marking in some cases) where multiple markers independently assess the same paper. Discrepancies are resolved through discussion or a senior marker's decision.
3. Data Entry and Analysis (for larger exams):
* Data Entry: Grades are entered into a database, often electronically, allowing for quick aggregation and analysis of results.
* Statistical Analysis: Data is analyzed to determine the overall performance of students, identify difficult questions, and assess the effectiveness of the exam in testing the intended curriculum.
* Reporting: Reports are generated to provide feedback to students, teachers, and administrators.
4. Storage and Archiving:
* Secure Storage: Exam papers are stored securely, often for a specified period, to allow for appeals, re-checking, or in case of disputes.
* Disposal: After the retention period, papers are usually destroyed in a secure manner, often by shredding.
Specific Considerations:
* Online Exams: Online exams often have automated grading features, though human review is sometimes still necessary, particularly for essay-type questions. Results and data analysis are also facilitated by the online platform.
* Large-Scale Exams: These often involve sophisticated logistics, including teams of markers, quality control procedures, and secure transportation of exam papers.
The entire process is designed to ensure fairness, accuracy, and security, with clear procedures in place to address any issues or challenges that may arise. The specific details can be significantly more complex for large, high-stakes examinations like national standardized tests.