August 5, 2005

Professor Develops Software to Help Grade Essays

By DAN CARNEVALE

Computers routinely grade multiple-choice tests, but can machines be trusted to grade subjective exams, like a multipage essay?

Ed Brent, a professor of sociology at the University of Missouri at Columbia, says yes, but that computers should not do it alone. He has developed a computer program that not only grades his students' essays but also gives feedback on how they can improve their work.

Mr. Brent assigns a paper on a specific topic -- say, a chapter on group culture

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