Value and practice differences in Assessment for Learning in Nigerian primary schools

Abstract

The study investigated teachers’ formative assessment practice and the value they attach to formative assessment in primary schools in the Lagos and Kwara States of Nigeria. A total of 120 respondents were selected using the convenience sampling technique. Quantitative research methods formed the basis for analysis and data presentation. The inferential statistics used the Wilcoxon signed-rank test to analyse the data. The study surveyed possible differences in what teachers value and practice on five dimensions of assessment, namely Clarifying and Sharing Learning Intentions, Engineer Effective Classroom Discussion, Provide Feedback That Moves Students Forward, Activating Students as Instructional Resources for One Another and Activating Students as Owners of Their Own Learning. In summary, the study revealed that despite overall positively valuing formative assessment strategies, most of the teachers did not practise formative assessment as they did not adopt the strategy of clarifying and sharing learning intentions as well as the criteria for success with their students. Results of the Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed that there is a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) between the teachers’ practice and the value they assign to formative assessment in Nigerian primary schools. The study notes a high reliance on formative assessment principles by teachers in their daily teaching engagement. As gleaned from the results, the disparity between appreciation of the principles and their implementation remains an area that possibly require further investigation to improve on the level of understanding of the principles as well as their practice and appreciation.