Submission to the consultation on assessment reform for the age of artificial intelligence

ATSE thanks the TEQSA for the opportunity to respond to the draft principles on assessment for the age of artificial intelligence (AI).

ATSE supports TEQSA’s draft principles and propositions. They will provide a strong foundation for the development of new assessment practices as AI evolves. The proposed principles, however, do not cover the role of informal assessment and feedback practices, which are likely to grow in importance for calibrating assessments and ensuring students can meet the required learning outcomes as AI usage increases. De-coupling feedback from assessment within the principles may also prove useful in avoiding over assessment. Incorporating the role of informal evaluation and feedback unlinked to assessment may help to strengthen the proposed principles.

Attached to this letter is a copy of ATSE’s submission to the concurrent parliamentary inquiry into the use of generative AI within the Australian education system which covers content relevant to the current consultation. In it, ATSE highlights the value of supporting students to embrace generative AI and developing AI literacy. For students to succeed in an ever-changing world, they will need to have the skills to use and develop AI systems – aligning strongly with TEQSA’s first guiding principle.

In line with TEQSA’s second guiding principle, ATSE’s submission discusses the role AI can play in transforming assessment at all education levels. The growing adoption of AI provides an opportunity for educators to embrace multiple forms of assessment and assessments that are authentic and apply students’ knowledge in context. Educators across disciplines will need to be provided with appropriate support and professional development to make the most of these opportunities.