Enhancing Assessment Integrity: A Critical Analysis of Transparency and Fairness in Marking Process at University of Sargodha

The purpose of this research work was to evaluate the marking process for the annual examinations of the University of Sargodha. To achieve the objective, the quality of marking process, observation of answer scripts and perception of evaluators were recorded. The study was descriptive in nature. A convergent/parallel mixed-method design was used to perform the study. Two types of research tools were utilized to collect data i.e. interview schedules and an observation rating scale. A multistage sampling technique was applied to determine the sample. The data were collected from 489 answer scripts, and 18 evaluators of Education Department, University of Sargodha. Quantitative data were examined by descriptive analysis technique and qualitative data were explored through thematic analysis technique. Quantitative analysis disclosed that every 11th answer script has a mistake in marking as on average. The respondents of the study believed that marking of the answer scripts was not up to the mark as non- provision of rubrics, not following the instructional performa and committing mistakes and negligence in evaluation were the issues that made fair and transparent marking impossible. The present study will be supportive in provision of empirical evidence through identification of strength and weakness of quality of marking process, which in turn help University of Sargodha in improving its practices.