As part of the work that TAG is undertaking as the technology provider to the e-scape project, the TAG Developments' team have successfully completed work to creat a ground breaking software engine to facilitate the comparative pairs assessment of digital coursework.

This means that for the first time, the comparatives pairs approach to assessment can be implemented via a web based e-portfolio on a national scale for the assessment of digital qualification coursework evidence.

The process enables assessment to take place without recourse to the use of scales or marks, but instead facilitates a more subjective assessment where successive pairs of work are presented to assessor, who is asked to indicate which piece of work they perceive to be 'better' [according to the judgement criteria being used]. This process is then repeated numerous times, with pairs of work being presented to a range of different assessors over the internet, according to a predetermined algorithm. The system records the judgements as they are made and then when all judgements have been made, arranges the coursework in rank order. This more subjective approach to assessment makes it an ideal way of assessing less formalised skills, such as creativity.

Comparative Pairs is not a new phenomena, having first been researched and published by L.L Thurston in 1927.

For further information on L.L Thurston or his Law of Comparative Judgement click here

For further information on the e-scape project click here