Descriptive Scoring on Test-run in Chinese Universities

Several top Chinese universities are mulling over a new evaluation system that produces a detailed report which reveals student's performance in all aspects of a subject and even career orientation for the future.

CRI's Zheng Chenguang reports.

Chinese students may soon find that their score sheet presents itself in a much more refined and detailed manner.

Five top Chinese universities including Tsinghua University and Nanjing University have pushed for a descriptive scoring report that contains detailed analysis of the applicants' performance on every exam they take to enter the university.

Take the English test for example, instead of getting a final score, a student's performance is classified into several categories, such as oral English, listening and reading.

Though such a report is not decisive in the school's final admission, China's education authorities say they have voted in favor of the scheme and plan to expand it throughout the system.

Zhao Tianhao is postgraduate student from Beijing Jiaotong University.

"In the past 16 years, I have received score sheets with only the final score of every course I took. Like the Chinese course, I may score 80, and mathematics, 140, things like that. I hope that the new system can make a difference so that students have a better idea about their own abilities."

Li Xin, a primary school parent, says this scheme also works for primary school kids.

"I'm really happy to see my kid's score sheet with straight As. But I'm not very clear about what he is really good at specifically in a certain subject."

Xie Xiaoqing is a professor with Beijing Language and Culture University.

"Descriptive scoring can truly reflect a student's advantages and shortcomings, which provides more feedback to the students, their parents and teachers. This helps improve study skills among students and teaching methods for the teachers."

The professor added that descriptive scoring can also help students to learn what they are best at and that will be essential to help students develop their academic interest, a driving force behind success.

Zheng Chenguang, CRI news.