If the assumption is that homework and tests are designed to help the student learn the material, then subjective grading is very beneficial. For example, there

If the assumption is that homework and tests are designed to help the student learn the material, then subjective grading is very beneficial. For example, there are ways of solving math or comp sci problems (including simple "typos"), especially when you don't understand the rules properly, that will give a correct result, for the wrong reasons. I would much rather a math or computer science teacher be looking through the process used to find the answer - and providing constructive feedback. Just getting a quick yes/no response back seems a lot less helpful to me. I don't know how much the human graders mentioned in the article actually do in terms of feedback, but I imagine we're still a ways away from a program having insight into WHY you chose the wrong method or made the mistake you did. The program can't help tailor their teaching to help set you straight. Of course, my view on this is likely clouded by the fact I went to a small school with small class sizes throughout. When you only have 5-20 people in each class, direct professor engagement happens. If I had to deal with TAs, I don't know how I would feel about the matter.