Hebrew University Overhauls Grading Amid AI Revolution
Translated & summarized from Calcalist by baba
The Hebrew University is overhauling its grading system due to the rise of artificial intelligence, deeming traditional homework and exams invalid. New methods will include oral exams and presentations of seminar papers, with lecturers required to re-evaluate their assessment strategies. These changes aim to address widespread AI use among students, as highlighted by a recent survey.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Hebrew University declares traditional homework and exams invalid due to AI.
- New assessment methods will include oral exams and seminar paper presentations.
- A committee recommended incorporating oral exams and presentations to verify student understanding.
- 87% of students report frequent AI use, with 43% believing it's misused.
- Lecturers must re-evaluate their assessment methods to adapt to the AI era.
The Hebrew University has adopted new recommendations to address the challenge of artificial intelligence in academic assessment, declaring traditional homework and exams no longer fully valid. A committee, appointed by Rector Oron Shagrir and headed by Vice Rector Lilach Sagiv, concluded that unsupervised assignments are vulnerable to AI, rendering them invalid and akin to plagiarism.
To combat this, the university will incorporate oral exams and require students to present their seminar papers orally. Lecturers and departments are now tasked with re-evaluating their assessment methods in light of these changes. The committee emphasized that AI-generated work is equivalent to copying, and traditional exams fail to develop essential research and writing skills.
Among the proposed solutions are in-class presentations to verify understanding, increased use of oral examinations, and in-class quizzes. The university also recommends grading class participation. The committee acknowledged that these shifts necessitate a reorganization of academic units and require new skills for lecturers to develop appropriate assessment strategies.
According to a January survey by the Student Union, 87% of students frequently use AI, with 38% using it for assignments and 43% believing it's being misused. Rector Shagrir stated that the AI revolution compels universities to adapt their assessment methods to the new reality, advocating for more guided classroom work, presentations, and discussions.