Importance of school-based assessment in South Africa School-based assessment refers to the ongoing process of evaluating a student’s progress and achievement within the classroom environment. It encompasses various forms of assessment, including tests, projects, presentations, and practical demonstrations, among others. Unlike standardized tests, which are often criticized for their limited scope and potential biases, school-based assessments offer a more holistic and personalized approach to evaluating student learning.
In South Africa, the importance of school-based assessment cannot be overstated, particularly given the country’s historical context and the need to address educational disparities. Here are several reasons why school-based assessment plays a Huge role in the South African education system:
What is an assessment?
- An assessment is a continuous planned process of gathering information on achievement.
Why do we assess?
Reasons and advantages for assessments:
- To indicate clearly what needs to be achieved and to inform the learner about the areas of study that need more attention. This will help improve the standard of their work.
- To identify how a learner cope with new knowledge, content and skills.
- To specify whether a learner needs to do extra work or not.
- An assessment is an important tool to identify the development of a learner’s potential.
The process of Assessment
An assessment has both positive and negative impacts on the learner.
- May increase anxiety due to the fear of failure (e.g. negative impact).
- Might be excited as a result of obtaining a high score in a particular task (e.g. positive impact).
Types of Assessments:
- Baseline assessment-Usuallytakesplaceinthebeginningoftheyearorwhen starting something new e.g. topic. It is useful for both a learner and a teacher.
- Formative assessment-Tochecktheprogressofthelearneronacertaintopic.
- Summative assessment-Usuallyhappensattheendoftheproject,termor year.
- Self-assessment and peer-assessment-Thisprovidesthelearneran opportunity to assess himself or classmates.
An Important Tool for Assessment Preparation
- Mindmap-Linkinformationinalogicalwaythatwillhelpalearnertoremember the information.
- Summary-Alearnercansummariseinformationbywritingonlytheimportant sentences of a paragraph.
- Mnemonic- Song creation can be used with a rhythm will help a learner to remember more information.
- Table-Alearnermightdesignatablewillhelphim/hertoorganiseinformationin a logical connected way.
- Flashcards-Smallcardsorpiecesofpaperonwhichthelearnwriteskeypoints and short bits of information.
- Talkandlisten-Readyournotesoutloud,discussthestudymaterialoutloud.
- Be colourful- Use different colours to highlight important points in your notes or flashcards.
- Move about – Walk around while reading or repeating your notes on your flashcards
- Role-play -Role-play being the teacher and explain the work to others.
- Study to music and rhythm – tap your foot while reciting your notes
Importance of School Based Assessment Questions
- Define the term assessment.
- What is School-based assessment(SBA)?
- What is school-based assessment in South Africa?
- In your view can SBA assist in reducing pressure of the examination?
- Again, in your view, does SBA help the learning process, say why?
- How many types of SBA are there, name them?
- Most importantly, who administers, scores and records SBA?
