How we evaluate the skills and knowledge of test takers is changing. We know we need new approaches to measurement that reshape traditional learning and career pathways at a fundamental level. And while Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already advancing our ability to develop and deliver tests, exams and assessments, another exciting field for the application of AI has emerged – test preparation.
Using AI, we have an opportunity to go beyond traditional summative practice tests and support our test takers through a formative learning journey. One that offers a new and innovative approach to their continuing education in a world of work that has become more dynamic – where ‘learn then earn’ is no longer the only linear pathway on offer.
More than measurement
Globally, we can see a growing appetite for learning. The ETS Human Progress Report revealed that in a survey of 17,000 people across 17 countries, four out of five people describe themselves as lifelong learners. With 88% of respondents believing that learning is essential to succeed today, and 86% agreeing that it is essential to well-being, we need assessments that support these lifelong learners.
It’s not just individuals driving the demand for continuous lifelong learning. Organizations and governments want people to upskill and reskill – so they are better able to meet the needs of today’s workplaces and economy, as well as be ready for the work of tomorrow. Credentials in the form of certifications and licenses are becoming increasingly important to validate important skills. With this comes the need for connectivity between learning and outcomes, with more personalized learning assessments tailored to individual needs.
AI-enabled test prep
So what do learning assessments backed by the power of AI deliver? In short, they give test takers access to flexible test preparation and practice test options, while meeting the needs of the testing program.
With AI, test takers get a prompted learner journey that not only prepares them with a realistic preview of what they’ll see on test day, but also provides instant feedback and progress tracking. They get explanations and topic breakdowns to support learning, with strengths and weaknesses identified and content adapted towards areas where development is needed.
This gives test takers the flexibility to engage in learning and test preparation at a time and place that suits them best, whether that’s a short diagnostic test or a full-length assessment with post-test reports, performance analysis, insights and recommendations to guide them on the next steps of their learning journey.
AI can be used to create personalized study sessions tailored to specific topics, areas of mastery, or unresolved questions. The concept of “Mastery” is driven by a complex algorithm that adapts to the learner’s engagement patterns. This includes analyzing factors like confidence levels, response speed, and performance accuracy to provide a highly customized learning experience. Additional features to boost engagement could include gamification elements, a Socratic (conversational) tutor, AI-powered Learning or Research Assistants, and flashcards.
Test prep for testing organizations
When it comes to test preparation options, offering your test takers a learning journey beyond a formative practice test is a great way to enhance the test taker experience. It’s also an opportunity for organizations to monetize test preparation. And even if monetization isn’t a priority, it’s a great marketing opportunity that will bring more attention to your credentials and core offerings.
Without AI, the resources required to develop this level of learning tool would be cost prohibitive for most testing organizations. With AI, it becomes available to almost any organization. Increasing efficiencies in the development of content, the delivery of meaningful feedback to test takers, and even the translation into alternate languages.
The technology is improving all the time with innovative features that benefit both test taker and testing organization. For example, the ability to convert e-books into cross-platform AI-books that add learning experiences to your content library. What’s more, the data gathered from test takers using the tool provides invaluable insights to inform future critical decisions.
Read out blog: Prep for success – develop a winning test prep strategy.
Measure better
It’s reassuring that in the ETS survey, 72% of global respondents agreed they would trust AI-generated guidance for improving skills, and 66% indicated trust in a learning assessment created or scored by AI. This shows that not only do most people consider themselves to be lifelong learners, but they are also open to their learning being guided and assessed by AI.
As we live longer, work longer, and face rapidly shifting skill demands, there will be a greater focus on measuring skills. AI-powered test preparation is an important element of engaging and developing the growing global community of people who identify as lifelong learners.