Continuous assessment fit for purpose? Analysing the experiences of academics from a South African university of technology

ABSTRACT

Despite the expanding literature in the last three decades on modes of implementation and the various forms of formal and informal assessments, there is limited evidence of academics’ knowledge and understanding of continuous assessment practice. Using a mixed methods sequential explanatory research design, this paper aimed to investigate academics’ knowledge and understanding of the structure of continuous assessment and its application in supporting students’ learning experiences at a South African University of Technology. The results of this study provide the basis to initiate deeper discussions on developing shared understandings of assessment literacy, assessment bunching, and assessment validity and reliability. These elements are all required for the enhancement of quality assurance and monitoring of fit for purpose continuous assessment practices.

KEYWORDS:

• Continuous assessment
• assessment literacy
• assessment bunching
• assessment validity and reliability

Acknowledgments

Special thanks to Mr. Deepak Singh (DUT) for his expert statistical guidance and Dr Gillian Cruickshank (Queens University Belfast) for adeptly proof reading the article.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Anisa Vahed

Anisa Vahed is a NRF “Y-Rated” researcher and senior lecturer/dental technologist in the Department of Dental Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences at the Durban University of Technology. Her research interests include undergraduate research-teaching nexus and online pedagogical practices. She has delivered numerous papers, workshops and seminars at national and international settings. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0164-91144

Matthys Michielse Walters

Matthys Michielse Walters is a retired academic who was a former head of department and senior lecturer in the Department of Basic Medical Sciences at the Durban University of Technology. He has 32 years of teaching experience, specialising in human physiology. His current research interest is the implementation of Continuous Assessment practices.

Ashley Hilton Adrian Ross

Ashley Hilton Adrian Ross is an Associate Professor of homoeopathy and the former Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the Durban University of Technology. He has 25 years’ experience in academic teaching, clinical- and research supervision, and nearly 20 years’ experience in academic management. His research interests include homoeopathic pathogenetic trials, indigenous knowledge systems, medical philosophy and pedagogy of research. He has delivered numerous papers, workshops and seminars in national and international settings.