[Archive] Arrangements for reviewing examination results in tertiary institutions

Following is a question by the Hon Albert Chan and a written reply by the Secretary for Education and Manpower, Professor Arthur K C Li, in the Legislative Council today (May 21):

Question:

It is learnt that upon receipt of students' requests for reviewing examination assessment results, some tertiary institutions, such as the Open University of Hong Kong, will only arrange for a review committee to review the examination papers, but will not allow the students to inspect the examination papers in person. As such, the students will never know the mistakes they have made in answering the examination papers. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council whether:

(a) it knows the number of tertiary institutions students who requested a review of their examination papers last year, the number of requests refused, and the results of the reviews; and

(b) the Government will request tertiary institutions to revamp their arrangements for reviewing of examination papers, with a view to allowing students to inspect the papers in person; if not, of the reasons for that?

Reply:

Madam President,

(a) In the 2001/02 academic year, the University Grants Committee (UGC) -funded institutions and the Open University of Hong Kong received a total of 1,636 formal requests from their students for a review of their examination results. The institutions do not keep separate statistics on requests for inspection of examination scripts.

Among the requests for review, 21 were rejected because the students concerned had not provided good reasons for the requests, or that the requests were submitted after the stipulated deadline. Among the 1,615 processed requests, grades were adjusted upward in 261 (16.2%) cases. In 1,353 (83.8%) cases, the grades remained unchanged. For the remaining special case, the student concerned had to take a re-assessment.

(b) The Administration has no intention to require tertiary institutions to revamp their arrangements for reviewing examination results, with a view to allowing students to inspect the examination scripts. In line with the principle of institutional autonomy and academic freedom, the Administration considers it more appropriate for the institutions to establish their own policy in respect of the review of examination results and inspection of examination scripts, with a view to ensuring the objectivity and fairness of the assessment process, and encouraging students to learn from experience and strive for improvement.

End/Wednesday, May 21, 2003

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