Education: Half the mark will be awarded for crossed-out answers for students who need to complete the course

The Ministry of Education issued important and urgent directives to all educational departments and examination and control committees, mandating that the circumstances of students taking supplementary exams (those retaking exams) be taken into consideration during the marking of answer sheets. The directives included an explicit clause stipulating that half the allotted mark for a question will be awarded if the student crosses out their correct answer and does not write an alternative, a measure aimed at prioritizing the student's best interests and addressing the psychological pressures they may experience during the examination period.

Details of the new correction mechanism

According to the regulations governing examinations, this rule applies only when a student hesitates, writes the correct answer, and then crosses it out, thinking it is wrong, without replacing it with another answer. In this case, the Ministry instructed examiners not to deduct the entire mark, but rather to award the student half the allotted mark for the question, in recognition that they initially arrived at the correct answer, and in consideration of the confusion that may occur in the examination hall.

Context of development in assessment and measurement systems

This decision is part of a series of ongoing updates by the Ministry of Education to the "Guide to Examination Systems and Procedures," which serves as the primary reference for assessment mechanisms in Saudi schools. Through these updates, the Ministry aims to shift the perception of examinations from a punitive tool or a means of rigid sorting to one that accurately measures genuine academic achievement while taking into account human and educational factors. Historically, marking systems were more rigid, with crossed-out answers considered entirely invalid. However, the Ministry's modern approach places greater emphasis on learning outcomes and supporting struggling students in overcoming their academic obstacles.

Educational and psychological dimensions of the decision

This directive carries profound educational implications, as it takes into account the psychological state of students taking supplementary or "second-chance" exams. These students often experience higher levels of anxiety and stress compared to their peers who passed the first round, making them prone to hesitation and frequent alterations and changes to their answer sheets. This measure serves as a lifeline for many, as it helps reduce failure rates resulting from minor errors or momentary indecisiveness, thus enhancing their chances of advancing to the next academic level.

Expected impact on educational outcomes

This decision is expected to improve overall success rates and reduce educational waste resulting from students repeating a grade due to minor failing grades. This approach also reflects the Saudi Arabian education system's commitment to supporting students until the very last moment, aligning with the goals of Vision 2030 to enhance the efficiency of the education system and raise graduation rates, while maintaining standards of fairness and transparency in evaluating academic achievement.