Problems of implementing continuous assessment in secondary schools in Obowo local government area of Imo state, Nigeria

Abstract

The paper examined problems of implementing continuous assessment in secondary schools in Obowo local government area of Imo State, Nigeria. Data were collected with the aid of a structured questionnaire administered to 100 randomly selected respondents in the study area. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Findings revealed that problems of implementing constunous assessment in the study area include : Lack of well trained teachers in continuous Assessment Continuous Assessment is costly in terms of materials (M=3.76), time and energy, Continuous assessment requires up to date record keeping (M=3.67), Continuous assessment is complex and difficult to implement (M=3.03), Continuous assessment requires many types of tasks and survey instruments (M=3.51), There is problem of Coordinating results when a student is transferred from one school to another (M=3.82), Continuous assessment is not an easy evaluation procedure (M=3.05), The amount of work involved is too much on the part of the teacher (M=3.82). it is therefore recommended that a committe should be formed on the school to clearly determine tests and survey instruments to be used, time for using the different instruments and what sort of data should be gathered. There should be regular workshops for teachers and experts to look into teachers workload and also to help them develop pools of test items to assess the attainment of their students and objectives. There is also need for continuous assessment appraisal and seminars to update at all times, the knowledge and skill of teachers. Adequate financial support by government to the schools towards the realization of the set down objectives of continuous assessment.

Key words: continuous assessment, teachers, students, examination