Philosophy

In essay tests, learners are required to construct a written response, from several sentences to several pages in length. Learners have to look at facts, logic, layout and presentation, and insight.

a. Performance –based assessment

This type of assessment emphasises the learners’ ability to use their knowledge and skills to produce their work. This includes presentation, research papers, investigation projects, demonstrations, exhibitions, singing, athletics, speeches, musical presentations and the like. Learners should be able to demonstrate a skill or proficiency by being asked to create, produce or do something, often in a setting that involves real-life applications. The educator should assess the end product as ell as the process that the learners use to complete the task.

b. Interviews

Interviews combine two assessment methods, namely observation and questioning. An interview is a dialogue between the assessor and the learner, creating opportunities for learner questions. This method has a range of applications using different forms of questions, particularly open – ended questions. Interviews may be substituted for written tests to elicit information. The educator may con troll the length and time and provide direction during the interview process.

c. Questionnaires

A questionnaire is a structured written interview consisting of a set of questions relating to particular areas of performance. Unlike a personal interview, it is administered and judged under standard conditions. It may be use3d for assessment outcomes particularly concerned with attitudes, feelings, interests and experiences.

d. Structured Questions

A structured question consists of a stem (which describes a situation) followed by a series of related questions. The stem can be a text, a diagram, a picture, a video, or similar stimulus.

e. Assignments

An assignment is a problem solving exercise with clear guidelines and a specified length. It is more structured and less open-ended...