The influence of assessment practices on students' learning approach

Abstract

The problem that prompted this research was that some students under-performed in tests and examinations in relation to peers who were apparently academically less well prepared for higher education. The Assist questionnaire was used to determine the natural learning approaches of two groups of first and second year students. Examination papers of two departments were analysed and questions were classified according to Bloom's Taxonomy. The performance scores on these papers of the two student groups were compared. The final conclusion was that although assessment is only one of several factors influencing student performance, it plays an important role in determining the quality of student learning. Therefore, the nature of assessment should be such that it not only measures performance on all cognitive levels, but that it also challenges those students who have the ability to excel, else they will under-achieve.


South African Journal of Higher Education Vol.18(2) 2004: 322-335