Making summative assessment effective.
Date
2021-09-25
Authors
Daka, Harrison
Mulenga-Hagane, Mukuka Lydia
Mukalula-Kalumbi, Mwansa
Lisulo, Sibeso
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
European Modern Studies Journal
Abstract
The University of Zambia, School of Medicine is the first public health institution in Zambia after Independence in 1964. Its focus has been on provision of quality
education with excellence from one of its core values. During the course of the focus of this study high examination attrition rates and low students Grade Point Average (GPA) among undergraduate programmes were observed. This study investigated the views of academic staff and students on the role of feedback in assessment processes among undergraduate students trained at the University of Zambia, School of Medicine. Both qualitative and quantitative methods approaches were employed to investigate the above mentioned issues. The design used for data collection was an exploratory sequential research design. Two sets of instruments were used to collect data. These were an evaluation survey instrument on the teaching and learning of undergraduate programmes in the School of Medicine and document analysis. The data collected from this set were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The second set were a students’ Focus Group Discussion schedule and an in-depth interview schedule for key informants regarding the GPA and examination attritions. The data collected from the second set were analysed using constant comparative method. The study revealed that certain factors contributed to low GPA and high examination attrition rates in the School of
Medicine. The results showed that there was lack of timely feedback (52.2%) with standard
deviation of 1.13 and, where it was done, only 52% provided guiding comments with standard
deviation 1.11. The results showed there was significant statistical difference in timely
feedback (p = 0.000, F = 4, 598, df = 18.428), detailed feedback (p = 0.000, F = 4, 595, df =
16.037) and scope of assessment (p = .000, F = 4, 596, df = 24. 172). In conclusion, the study
showed that the low students’ GPA and high examination attrition rates at the Medical School
of the University of Zambia were due to improper assessment processes. In view of these
findings, the study recommends that there is need for timely feedback given to students on time
and that such feedback should be detailed. In addition, the study further recommends that the
School of Medicine using the Medical Education and Development Department should
consider organizing specific pedagogical training programmes for existing and newly
employed academic staff.
Description
Article. The study recommends that there is need for timely feedback given to students on time and that such feedback should be detailed.
Keywords
Quality Education, assessment, timely feedback, detailed and helpful feedback
Citation
Daka, H., Mulenga - Hagane, L. M., Mukalula-Kalumbi, M and Lisulo, S. (2021). Making Summative Assessment Effective, European Modern Studies Journal, 5 (4), 224 - 237.