South Korea proposes AI for initial grading of college entrance exams

South Korea's National Education Committee has proposed integrating artificial intelligence into the grading process for essay and subjective questions in college entrance exams and school assignments. The plan aims to address the significant bottleneck of grading in large-scale assessments, particularly for the national college entrance exam (Suneung).

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The most important bottleneck that has prevented the introduction of essay and subjective evaluations in large-scale exams like the Suneung has been grading.

Under the proposed system, AI would conduct the initial grading based on criteria set by teachers and experts. Teachers would then review the AI's assessment to make the final score determination. This approach positions AI as a tool to assist, rather than replace, educators, with teachers retaining ultimate authority over the evaluation.

This initiative is part of a larger effort to reform South Korea's college admissions system. The committee is holding regional discussions, including one in Incheon, to gather public opinion on proposed changes. These changes include expanding essay and subjective questions in schools and potentially in the Suneung, shifting to an absolute grading system for both internal school assessments and the Suneung, and adjusting the timing of college admissions.

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AI becomes a tool that creates a grading draft, not just a black box that outputs scores. The final authority for problem and evaluation always rests with the teacher.

The reforms are expected to be implemented starting with the 2033 academic year, affecting students currently in the sixth grade. The committee emphasizes a phased approach, ensuring that educational institutions are prepared before new policies are enacted, moving from middle school to high school and then to college admissions.

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We are well aware of the painful experience where numerous education policies have caused confusion in the field due to a rush for short-term results.