Study Abroad: TOEFL and GRE will be more Personalised says ETS CEO; Know More!

Educational Testing Service (ETS), has announced significant updates to two widely used assessments, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and Graduate Record Examinations (GRE), used for graduate school admissions. With the boom in the use of assessments in education and the workplace, ensuring the credibility of results has become more challenging. In response to concerns about the value of standardized testing and threats to academic integrity, ETS has streamlined the tests, making them more convenient. 

Amit Sevak, the CEO of the Educational Testing Service (ETS), has announced significant updates to two widely used assessments. But Sevak’s long-term vision goes beyond this, aiming to move testing away from mere summative scores. Instead, he envisions providing universities with detailed data breakdowns of applicants’ various skills, along with recommendations for improvement.

This shift is expected to help admissions tutors ensure a more diverse pool of applicants, countering the perception that standardized tests hinder diversity efforts. Sevak reassures that ETS tests undergo rigorous scientific processes to remain neutral and accessible to test-takers from any cultural background.

Moreover, as tests become more widespread in various sectors, ETS is exploring personalized assessments. These tests adapt based on candidates’ previous answers to assess the depth of their understanding effectively.

While ETS aims to expand beyond North America, the company faces challenges in the UK due to a 2014 testing scandal involving fraudulent operations at London-based test centres. To rebuild trust, Sevak emphasizes the company’s commitment to ethics and integrity.

As technology advances, including the rise of artificial intelligence, test security becomes an ongoing concern. Sevak believes physical testing centres will continue to play a crucial role alongside online testing to maintain exam integrity.

Benefits of Artificial Intelligence

Furthermore, artificial intelligence is transforming the testing process, from designing and building exams to marking and providing feedback. However, the continuous evolution of AI poses new security challenges, demanding a constant focus on maintaining the reliability and credibility of assessments.

The role of technology in the testing landscape has also been demonstrated by OpenAI, which claims its generative software can achieve an impressive 80 per cent mark in the GRE and other exams.

Overall, ETS seeks to adapt to changing demands, catering to businesses assessing specific skills in staff while collaborating with educational institutions. By offering more detailed and personalized assessments, the company aims to address the evolving needs of test-takers, universities, and employers alike.

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