Assessment Academy

Arab Board of Health Specializations

Assessment Unit 

‘From Examiner to Educator – Coaching a New Era of Assessment in the Arab World’

 Assessment Coaching Academy

Based on the strategic directions and discussions held with His Excellency the Secretary-General, Prof. Dr. Omar Al-Rawas, and the Assistant Secretary-General, Prof. Dr. Jawad Rasheed, this proposal reflects the shared vision to elevate the Arab Board’s assessment framework to an academically advanced and future-ready model. It is derived from high-level meetings and developmental dialogues that emphasized the urgent need to transform the assessment landscape through digital innovation, remediation strategies, and leadership empowerment.

1. Strategic Transformation: From Examiner to Educator

The slogan ‘From Examiner to Educator – Coaching a New Era of Assessment in the Arab World’ encapsulates a pivotal shift in mindset and practice. It advocates a transition from traditional examiner roles focused solely on grading, toward educator-coaches who provide mentorship, meaningful feedback, and guided learning support. This transformation aligns with the Arab Board’s mission to humanize assessment through digital tools, intelligent feedback systems, and competency-based evaluation.

2. Assessment Coaching Academy (ACA)

As recommended during leadership meetings, the Assessment Coaching Academy will serve as a regional training hub to prepare a new generation of assessment leaders. It aims to equip scientific council members, trainers, and item bank committee representatives with the tools needed to design, implement, and evaluate high-quality educational assessments in alignment with ABHS’s digital transformation strategy.

Core Objectives

• Train committee members in advanced and adaptive assessment practices.

• Promote a learner-centered and feedback-driven assessment culture.

• Establish a regional network of certified assessment coaches.

• Align coaching methodologies with ABHS’s remediation model and digital strategy.

Key Components

1.    Coaching Bootcamps – Practical workshops on MCQs, OSCEs, CBDs, Cognitive Diagnostic Models, and feedback delivery.

2.    Digital Skills Lab – Hands-on training in ExamSoft, Speedwell, AI tools, and performance dashboards.

3.    Mentorship Certification – A structured pathway to certify assessment coaches and remediation mentors.

4.    Case Clinics – Peer-led review and collaborative redesign of active assessments.

5.    Annual Assessment Summit – A regional forum for innovation exchange and strategic collaboration.

3. Capacity Building of Trainees through Remediation

Aligned with the guidance of the General Secretariat, the Arab Board has embraced a remediation-driven learning model to support continuous development. By using Cognitive Diagnostic Models (CDMs) and adaptive tools such as RemediBot, trainees will receive real-time, skill-level feedback integrated into personalized learning plans. This approach transforms assessment into an educational process that supports equity, growth, and excellence across specialties.

4. Strategic Plan for Implementation and Dissemination

Phase 1: Conceptual Consolidation (Q2–Q3 2025)

• Finalize the remediation framework.

• Develop operational toolkits in collaboration with internal committees.

Phase 2: Pilot Implementation (Q4 2025–Q2 2026)

• Selected Countries: Jordan, Egypt, Libya, UAE.

• Launch tagged digital assessments with CDM diagnostics and RemediBot integration.

Phase 3: Regional Expansion (Q3 2026–Q2 2027)

• Launch the online version of the Assessment Coaching Academy.

• Develop multilingual training modules (Arabic, English, French).

Phase 4: Policy Integration (Q3–Q4 2027)

• Engage ministries and academic institutions to embed remediation into national education frameworks.

Phase 5: Monitoring and Sustainability (2028 onward)

• Conduct annual AI updates.

• Implement feedback loops.

• Measure institutional adoption and outcome improvements.

5. Communication Strategy

As agreed in leadership meetings, item bank coordinators and examination committee members will be formally introduced to the initiative. Official letters, orientation packages, and onboarding materials will accompany the launch to ensure alignment, clarity, and early engagement.

6. Conclusion

Rooted in the strategic vision of the General Secretariat, this proposal outlines a practical roadmap for transformative change. The Assessment Coaching Academy positions the Arab Board as a regional leader in assessment innovation, capacity development, and educational excellence. It is a flagship initiative that bridges tradition and innovation—ushering in a new era of fair, human-centered, and intelligent assessment in the Arab world.