The Relationship between assessment practices and Students' academic performances: a case of undergraduate Students at the Medical School of the University of Zambia, 2008 – 2016. Zambian Journal of educational management, administration and leadership, 1, (1), 143-156. ISSN: 2706-7416 (Print).
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Date
2020-08
Authors
Chipindi, Ferdinand
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Abstract
The University of Zambia, School of Medicine has remained a premier academic institution that
prides itself with exceptionally high outcomes. In order to delve this issue, this article investigated
the relationship between assessment processes and students’ academic performance among
undergraduate medical students trained at the University of Zambia, School of Medicine during
the years from 2008 to 2016. A mixed methods approach involving qualitative and quantitative
methodologies was employed to investigate the above-mentioned issue. An explanatory sequential
research design was used for data collection. Data was captured using an evaluation survey
instrument, students’ Focus Group Discussion schedule and an in-depth interview schedule for
key informants regarding the GPA and examination attritions. Quantitative data from the first set
were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics while qualitative data from the second set
analysed using constant comparative method. The article revealed during the period under study
that there was little timely feedback (47.8%) and, where it was done, it lacked guiding comments
(48%). In addition, the article revealed that 28.8 per cent assessment tasks were misaligned
with learning objectives. In conclusion, the article 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 article recommended that assessment tasks
should be aligned with learning objectives and that feedback should be given to students on time
and should be detailed.
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Citation
Daka, H., Chipindi, F.M. & Mwale-Mkandawire, M. (2020). The Relationship between Assessment Practices and Students' Academic Performances. A Case of Undergraduate Students at the Medical School of the University of Zambia, 2008 – 2016. Zambian Journal of Educational Management, Administration and Leadership, 1, (1), 143-156. ISSN: 2706-7416 (Print).