Outcomes–based assessment : towards progression and promotion in the general education and training band (grades R (1)–9)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the implementation of Outcomes-Based Assessment focusing mainly on progression and promotion of learners in the General Education and Training Band (Grades 1 to 9). The study was conducted in all the four Districts of the North West Department of Education, namely, Bojanala, Dr Kenneth Kaunda, Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati and Ngaka-Modiri Molema. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative research paradigms. Non-experimental descriptive and exploratory quantitative research methods as well as historical and concept non-interactive qualitative research methods were employed in the study. A stratified purposive sampling technique was used to select a sample of 354 participants from a total population of 1768. Data were collected by means of a questionnaire as a quantitative data collection strategy; and both a semi-structured interview and official documents as qualitative data collection strategies. The study revealed that some schools were still using the old progression and promotion requirements that were not in line with the current national policy. The study revealed that the notion of progression with age cohort in Grades 1 to 8 was equated to automatic progression. Age cohort was interchangeably used and applied as chronological age. The study further revealed that the promotion requirements applied in Grade 9 are not aligned to both progression in Grades 1 to 8 and the promotion requirements in Grades 10 to 12. Based on the major findings of the study, it is recommended that the entire progression policy applied in Grades 1 to 8, with special reference to the notion of progression with age cohort, be reviewed. It is further recommended that the promotion requirements in Grade 9 be aligned to both progression in Grades 1 to 8 and promotion in Grades 10 to 12. It is further recommended that a similar study be conducted countrywide.