Education
Researchers push for innovative assessment in universities
In the face of new technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI), there is a call for universities to be more relevant to local needs while also taking into consideration the global needs. Teaching and learning has over the years evolved from being teacher centered to one that is learner centered. With the onset of COVID 19, online learning was quickly adopted across the globe, and most recently AI. These changes in the education system have called for a new mode of assessment of learning. This is what researchers from the College of Education and External Studies (CEES), led by Dr. Walimbwa Michael are advocating for.
During a training workshop on March 15, 2023 Dr. Walimbwa shared with participants the importance of innovative assessments, saying the world has evolved from the traditional methods of assessment. The researchers argue that there is need for a new mode of assessment which has a constructive alignment. Constructive alignment, according to Dr. Leah Sikoyo one of the partner trainers, demands that there is coherence between different aspects of the curriculum. “The three pillars must speak to each other; Learning outcomes; Teaching and learning experiences and assessment,” Dr. Sikoyo emphasized.
Assessment, she said should take the outcome based approach which emphasizes learning outcomes such as skills acquired, values and problem solving among others. Assessment she said should not only examine lower order thinking levels but also the middle and higher order thinking levels.
Dr. Sikoyo says that for teachers to be able to carry out innovative assessment, they too have to teach innovatively.
Prof. Betty Ezati, another trainer shared some insights on some modes of innovative assessments. She argued that Innovation – assessment should be geared at improving, solving or alleviating some perceived problem.
She said teachers need to move away from the traditional mode of assessment which is designed to identify student acquisition of content and the ability to demonstrate this acquisition.
It tends to focus on one answer, less on employable skills, it is mainly summative and written. Dr. Ezati said we need an authentic assessment which emphasizes behavioral change, design assessment to capture ‘what students can do, say and make.
The research team shared some innovative ways of assessing students which include; Self and peer assessment which Dr. Ezati said allows students to actively participate, reduces reliance on the teacher and allows students to be independent and motivated.
Concept Map/Conceptual Diagram. This mode of assessment will require students to present a diagram that depicts known or suggested relationships between concepts and ideas on a given topic.
The other mode of assessment is portfolio, which consists of work selected by the student, reasons for the selection and self-refection on the learning process. This mode of examination may include essays, assignments, lab reports, art work, project reports, grades and test
results.
Assessing students through group work, Dr. Ezati said is a form of cooperative learning.
“Teamwork is one of the competencies that industries often require, group work helps to prepare students for their future careers,” she added.
The professor advised the use of Rubric as a tool for Authentic Assessment. Rubrics, she said establishes and sets instructional expectations and standards, offers students a vision of what the facilitator is seeking to accomplish. This she advised should be shared with the learners early enough for them to prepare. She advised that it’s important to access the 21st century skills such as critical thinking, communication skills, innovation and collaboration.
The participants were also given information on how to integrate technology in innovative assessment. The tips, given by Dr. Mayende Godfrey included the use of various online tools including Mentimeter, google jamboard, padlets, discussion forums, quizzes and the Makerere University eLearning Platform.
Speaking during the training workshop the guest of honour, Dr. Walakira Eddy from RIF, appreciated the research team, saying the topic of research is an important one for all academic staff of the university. He reiterated the RIF’s commitment support researchers in the humanities. He also thanked CEES for supporting the university with online learning during the Covid 19 outbreak.
The research team
- Dr. Micheal Walimbwa (PI)
- Dr. Shopi Mbulankende Julius
- Dr. Buluma Alfred
- Dr. Nancy Nabiryo
Education
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Government through the Ministry of Education and Sports has been called upon to find ways of popularizing the subject of art and crafts in lower and higher secondary education.
Prof. Anthony Muggaga, the Principal of the College of Education and External Studies at Makerere University, said yesterday that the government should explore measures including making the subject compulsory.
“We should have at least a module for one term like we have General Paper or computer,” he said.
Prof. Mugagga believes that without popularizing Fine Art, the education sector will continue churning out students who lack critical thinking.
“Fine Art is what will cultivate a critical mindset amongst our learners. That is why we encourage children in nursery school to draw; we are trying to bring out what is in their minds,” he said.
“It is the same reason that art is considered therapy for mental health patients. When they draw, they express what is taking place in their minds.”
Prof. Mugagga was speaking at the launch of the findings of the pilot report for the Visual Arts Curriculum Review.
Dr Julius Ssegantebuka from Makerere University College of Education and External Studies and the lead researchers said the curriculum review project is intended to prepare secondary school art and design teachers, by equipping them with practical skills and values that match the modern world.
“During this second phase of the project, we had trial lectures and discussions with the teachers. We also embarked on removing obsolete content and replaced it with new content and also separated some of the art disciplines that were formally combined,” he said.
The updated curriculum he said, puts emphasis on research, group discussions, and field studies among others.
Speaking as chief guest at the launch, Dr Grace K Baguma, the Director National Curriculum Development Center commended the initiative.
“I commend Dr Ssegantebuka and the team for this initiative, which is aimed at contributing to the development of quality curricula that employ modern pedagogies that respond to societal needs,” she said.
On her part, Dr Moreen Muwanga from Kyambogo University called for the integration of ICT in the teaching of visual arts.
“Many of us have a phobia of handling a computer. Yet the students we are teaching are flexible and conversant with ICT,” she said.
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