Dave Cormier: A Human-Centered Model for AI in Assessment

Author

Dave Cormier

A Human-Centered Model for Discussing AI in Assessment

Primary Source: Dave Cormier’s Educational Blog

Overview

Dave Cormier presents a human-centered assessment model that reframes AI as part of a broader information ecosystem rather than the central issue. He argues that good assessment should balance three core questions: Did the student do it? Have they learned? Are we helping?

Core Viewpoints & Philosophies

1. Human-Centered Assessment is More Than Surveillance

  • AI may help confirm whether students completed work, but this is the least important question if it does not also show learning.
  • Overemphasizing “did they do it” pushes educators toward surveillance strategies (like AI detectors or lockdown browsers) that fail to capture deeper learning.

2. Assessment Quality Depends on Both Learning and Assurance

  • The model uses a Venn diagram with three intersecting questions: Did they do it? Have they learned? Are we helping?
  • The overlap of “did they do it” and “have they learned” represents quality assurance; the overlap of “have they learned” and “are we helping” represents good assessment.

3. Helping Students is a Distinct and Essential Component

  • Educators have a fundamental responsibility to support student learning beyond simply judging completion.
  • Formative feedback, iterative assignments, and guided dialogue are critical parts of effective assessment design.

4. AI is a Tool Within a Changing Information Landscape

  • AI can support evidence of student work, help students learn, or assist teachers in helping students—but it is not the primary focus.
  • Assessment design must ask questions broader than those framed around AI control or detection.

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