Abstract
The purpose of this study was to “explore the problems experienced by educators with regard to the implementation of Outcomes-Based Assessment in the Senior Phase”. According to the National Assessment Policy (RSA: No 27 of 1996), Outcomes-Based Assessment is a process of gathering valid and reliable information about the performance of the learner, on an ongoing basis against clearly defined criteria, using a variety of methods, tools, techniques and contexts, recording the findings, reflecting and reporting by giving positive, supportive and motivational feedback to learners, other educators, parents and other stakeholders.
Govender (2003: 22) states that: “Educators somehow fail to understand that Outcomes-Based Assessment is a process which must be followed and adhered to for assessment to be successful and easily understood.”
In order to explore the problems regarding the implementation of Outcomes-Based Assessment, the data collection methods utilised included: focus group interviews, questionnaire, observation and literature review. The participants comprised of thirty-six educators involved in the Senior Phase and four District Officials responsible for the same phase in the curriculum delivery.
The major findings indicate that educators are experiencing problems regarding the implementation of Outcomes-Based Assessment in the classroom. The findings also point out that educators were inadequately trained for the implementation of Outcomes-Based Assessment processes in the teaching and learning environment.
The researcher concluded that something must be done and therefore the study concludes with recommendations that have been made with the aim of resolving the problems as stated above.
Dr. M.C. van Loggerenberg