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School based assessment in food and nutrition practical examinations: Eswatini Teachers Experiences

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Author Affiliations

  • 1Examinations Council of Eswatini, Eswatini
  • 2University of Eswatini, Luyengo Campus, P.O. Luyengo, M205, Eswatini

Res. J. Recent Sci., Volume 10, Issue (2), Pages 5-12, April,2 (2021)

Abstract

In 2015, the Examinations Council of Eswatini (ECESWA) presented a new technique from External Examiner Based (EEB) to the School Based Assessment (SBA) of Food and Nutrition practical examinations. The purpose of this study was to explore the teachers experiences with the EEB and their attitudes towards the SBA. The population of the study was Consumer Science (CS) teachers from the Hhohho and Shiselweni regions of Eswatini. Fifty nine (n=59) CS teachers were purposively selected. A mixed methods approach, comprising quantitative and qualitative methods, was employed using a descriptive survey research design. Findings of the study revealed that teachers generally had negative attitude towards SBA. They bemoaned nonpayment for the time consuming task of assessment. Teachers were also discouraged by the lack of technologies necessary for the assessment to include cameras, computers and printers. They indicated preference for the EEB because inspectors visits lessened their workload. They also considered the external examiners as more objective since they were not directly involved with the students. Teachers were not satisfactorily trained for SBA and wanted financial incentives while expecting ECESWA to consider reverting to the former system of conducting the assessment. Based on the teachers suggestions, it is therefore recommended that teachers be further trained on SBA and schools be supplied with requisite technology for assessment.

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