This IMA funded event will take place at the University of Liverpool on Tuesday 29 July 2025
Automated grading plays an important role in helping lecturers manage large classes. It has been widely employed in courses assessing routine procedures such as differentiation, integration and Gaussian elimination. However, modern assessment packages are backed by computer algebra systems that are sufficiently powerful and flexible to mark much more advanced material. Since many UK mathematics degrees now have large classes at FHEQ levels five and six, this is an important area for development. The workshop will bring together leading content developers from across the UK and will foster collaboration between universities with an interest in automated grading for mathematics and statistics, using any platform.
| 10:00–10:15 | Welcome | |
| 10:15–10.55 | Christian Lawson-Perfect | A tour of advanced maths assessment in Numbas |
| 10:55–11:20 | Jamie Mason | Bringing E-assessment to abstract algebra courses |
| 11:20–12:00 | Yuri Bazlov | CAS-backed assessment in advanced pure mathematics courses: technical and pedagogical challenges |
| 12:00–13:30 | Lunch | |
| 13:30–14:10 | Gareth Woods | Using Möbius to Support Assessment and Student Learning |
| 14:10–14:35 | Colin Steele | The use of STACK in a diagnostic followup for students in multiple disciplines |
| 14:35–15:00 | Maciej Matuszewski | Student experience of automated e-assessment feedback compared to traditional feedback |
| 15:00–15:30 | Coffee break | |
| 15:30–15:55 | Robert Leek | Reflections on 6 years of computer-aided assessment at the Jinan–Birmingham Joint Institute |
| 15:55–16:20 | Tim Lowe | 10 years of STACK at the Open University |
| 16:20–16:50 | Discussion | |
| 16:50–17:00 | Conclusion |
Jessica Banks is a member of the Mathematics Centre for Enhancement in Education at the University of Liverpool and is the lead automated grading developer for the Department of Mathematical Sciences. She creates content for her own taught modules and for colleagues, and manages automated assessments across the whole department.
Ian Thompson is a member of the Waves and Continuum Mechanics research group at the University of Liverpool and is the author of the book Understanding Maple. He uses automated grading to support his own teaching, assessing students' ability to apply numerical methods in a modern and practical setting. He also advises colleagues on technical aspects of question development.
Please email Jessica or Ian if you have any questions about the workshop.