Abstract
D.Ed.
This research study focusses on assessment in the Natural Sciences learning area in grades 8 and 9. The aspect under focus is the extent to which educators can apply assessment methods, tools and techniques in this learning area. Outcomes-based education makes use of outcomes-based assessment which incorporates different methods of assessing learners. This study is concerned with the assessment practices of educators in the classroom. The literature examined looks at what is science?, what is assessment?, assessment in outcomes-based education and outcomes-based assessment in the Natural Science learning area.
Both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection were used in this study. The research instruments used were questionnaires, lessons observations, interviews and analysis of learner portfolios. As a research strategy, questionnaires were administered and analysed; assessment lessons were observed and analysed against principles for outcomes-based assessment; interviews were held with educators, subject advisor and OBE facilitator and learner portfolios were analysed in order to validate data gathered.
The findings of the study revealed that educators have begun assessing using the outcomes-based assessment model, however, they are assessing on a very superficial level. The assessment tools, techniques and methods available to educators are not being used properly. It was found that the reason for this was that educators do not fully understand how to assess outcomes and they are not familiar with the assessment criteria. Certain assessment methods like self - and peer - assessment were totally neglected. Educators did not know how to use rubrics and rating scales when assessing learners. From the evidence in the learners’ portfolios, it was found that there is still an over-reliance on tests and that teacher assessment is the dominant assessment method.
From the lesson observations it was found that content of the Natural Science learning area was not being adequately covered. In addition, Physical Science sections of the curriculum were deliberately not taught due to inexperience by educators in this field. The lesson observations also revealed that practical work in the form of experiments, observations and investigations was limited and in many cases not done at all. Educators cited lack of experience and resources. It was found that educators over-used textbooks and relied on them as the only source of scientific information. Planning of assessment was also another key area that needed attention.