EXAMINE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL MATHEMATICS TEACHERS’ ASSESSMENT FOR LEARNING PRACTICES FOR STUDENTS’ PROGRESS AND BETTER EXAMINATION ATTAINMENT

Fred Adusei Nsowah, Enock Yeboah, Richard Darko Osei, Vivian Nimoh, Samuel Ofori Agyeman

Abstract


The study examined the perception of senior high school mathematics teachers and students regarding teachers’ use of Assessment for Learning (AfL) practices to enhance students’ progress and examination performance. Assessment for Learning (AfL) is recognized in the literature as having a strong impact on students' learning outcomes when actively infused in the teaching process. However, limited studies have explored both students’ and teachers’ perspectives on the use of AfL strategies for improving students’ performance. The study applied questionnaires for 728 participants (308 senior high school mathematics teachers and 420 senior high school students) in the Ashanti region of Ghana. The study findings revealed that questions, quizzes, and homework are perceived by both groups as the most effective teachers’ AfL practices in supporting students learning and improving examination attainment. The study, therefore, provides information for professional development for teachers and re-orients teachers on the effective use of AfL practices in the classroom.

 

Article visualizations:

Hit counter


Keywords


assessment for learning practices, students’ progress, senior high school teachers and senior high school students

Full Text:

PDF

References


Abdulwahed, M., Jaworski, B., and Crawford, A. R. (2012). Innovative approaches to teaching mathematics in higher education: a review and critique. Nordic Stud. Mathematics Educ, 17, 49–68

Adu Obeng, B., Dissou Arthur, Y., Frank Gordon, J. & Akweittey, E. (2021). Comparative analysis of senior high school prospective mathematics teachers and students’ conceptual understanding in algebra. Journal of Mathematics and Science Teacher.

Akayuure, P. (2021). Classroom Assessment Literacy Levels of Mathematics Teachers in Ghanaian Senior High Schools. Contemporary Mathematics and Science Education, 2(2), ep21013. https://doi.org/10.30935/conmaths/11286

Akyina, O. K., & Oduro-Okyireh, G. (2019). Formative assessment practices of senior high school teachers in the Ashanti Mampong Municipality of Ghana. British Journal of Education, 3(7), 27-38.

Amoako, I. (2018). Formative assessment practices among distance education tutors in Ghana. African Journal of Teacher Education, 7(3), 22-36.

Amoako, I., Asamoah, D., & Bortey, J. (2019). Knowledge of formative assessment practices among senior high school mathematics teachers in Ghana. Open Journal of Social Science Research, 3(3), 8-13.

Anamuah-Mensah, J., Mireku, D.K., & Gartey-Ampiah, A. (2009). Ghanaian junior secondary school students’ achievement in mathematics and science: Results from Ghana’s participation in the 2003 trends in international mathematics and science study. Ministry of Education, National TIMSS Center

Asamoah, D., Songnalle, S., Sundeme, B., & Derkye, C. (2019). Gender difference in formative assessment knowledge of senior high school teachers in the Upper West Region of Ghana. Journal of Education and Practice, 3(3), 8-13.

Asare, K. (2015). Exploring the kindergarten teachers’ assessment practices in Ghana. A Developing Country Studies, 5(8), 2225-0565.

Asare, E. (2020). Basic teachers’ perceptions and practices of formative assessment in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana. Journal of Applied Educational and Policy Research, 5(1), 178-187. https://doi.org//journals.uncc.edu/jaepr/article/view/1053.

Assessment Reform Group (2002). Assessment for learning: 10 principles. Retrieved from www.assessment-reform-group.org/publications.html.

Berry, R. (2011). Assessment reforms around the world. In R. Berry & B. Adamson (Eds.), Assessment Reform in Education: Policy and Practice (pp. 89–102). Dordrecht: Springer.

Bergmark, U., and Westman, S. (2018). Student participation within teacher education: emphasising democratic values, engagement and learning for a future profession. High. Educ. Res. Dev. 37, 1352–1365. https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2018.1484708

Black, P., Harrison, C., Lee, C., Marshall, B., & Wiliam, D. (2004). Working inside the black box: Assessment for learning in the classroom. Phi Delta Kappan. Phi Delta Kappa Inc. https://doi.org/10.1177/00317217040860010

Black, P., & Wiliam, D. (2018). Classroom assessment and pedagogy. Assessment in Education: Principles, Policy & Practice, 25(6), 551-575.

Birenbaum, M., DeLuca, C., Earl, L., Heritage, M., Klenowski, V., Looney, A., Wyatt-Smith, C. (2015). International trends in the implementation of assessment for learning: implications for policy and practice. Policy Futures in Education, 13(1), 117-140.

Brown, G. T. L. (2022). The past, present and future of educational assessment: A transdisciplinary perspective. Frontiers in Education, 7. https://doi.org/10.3389feduc.2022.1060633

Brown, G. T. L., & Hirschfeld, G. H. F. (2008). Students’ conceptions of assessment: Links to outcomes. Assessment in Education: Principles, Policy & Practice, 15(1), 3–17.

Buabeng, I.; Atingane, A. B.; Amoako, I. (2019). Practices, challenges and perceived influence of classroom assessment on mathematics instruction. International Journal of Assessment. Tools Education. 6, 476–486.

Chappuis, S., and Stiggins, R. J. (2002). Classroom assessment for learning. Educational Leadership, 60, 40–44.

Dah, M., & Dognia R., (2022). Classroom practices of senior high school physics teachers in the Hohoe Municipality. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 6(4), 277-287.

Davis, E. K., & Gbormittah, D. (2023). Senior High School Mathematics Teachers’ Perceptions and Use of Continuous Assessment. SAGE Open, 13(3). https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440231188920

DeLuca, C., Valiquette, A., Coombs, A., LaPointe-McEwan, D., & Luhanga, U. (2018). Teachers’ approaches to classroom assessment: A large-scale survey. Assessment in Education: Principles, Policy & Practice, 25(4), 355-375.

Devellis, R. F. (2012). Scale development: Theory and applications (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks.

Dhindsa, H. S., Omar, K., & Waldrip, B. (2007). Upper secondary Bruneian science students’ perceptions of assessment. International Journal of Science Education, 29(10), 1261-1280.

Dogbey, J., & Dogbey, J. (2018). Depth of knowledge and context characteristics of the West African Examination Council’s Core Mathematics assessment–the case of Ghana from 1993–2013. Assessment in Education: Principles, Policy & Practice, 25(4), 376-398.

Enu, J. (2021). Factors affecting teacher educators’ adoption of formative assessment strategies in the mathematics classroom. Journal of Education and Learning, 15(4), 483–489.

Enu, J., & Ngcobo, Z. A. (2024). Three Ghanaian pre-service teachers’ knowledge and understanding of assessment literacy: Implications for teaching and learning of Mathematics. Journal of Mathematics Education at Teacher Education.

Figa J. G., Tarekegne, W. M., & Kebede, M. A. (2020). The Practices of Formative Assessment in Ethiopian Secondary School Curriculum Implementation: The Case of West Arsi Zone Secondary Schools. Educational Assessment, 25:4, 276-287. https://doi.org/10.1080/10627197.2020.1766958

Fletcher, J. (2016). Performance in mathematics and science: breaking the jinx. West African Examination Council Endowment Fund Lecture

Fitzmaurice, O., O’Meara, N. & Johnson, P. (2021). Highlighting the relevance of mathematics to secondary school students- why and how. European Journal of STEM Education. 1(6)

Frey, B. B., & Schmitt, V. L. (2010). Teachers’ classroom assessment practices. Middle Grades Research Journal, 5(3), 107–117.

Gao, M. (2012). Classroom assessments in mathematics: High school students’ perceptions. International Journal of Business and Social Science, 3(2), 63-74.

Havnes, A., Smith, K., Dysthe, O., & Ludvigsen, K. (2012). Formative assessment and feedback: Making learning visible. Studies in Educational Evaluation, 38(1), 21-27.

Kankam, B., Bordoh, A., Eshun, I., Bassaw, K. T., & Korang, Y. F. (2014). An investigation into authentic assessment practices of social studies teachers in the senior high schools in Ghana. American Journal of Social Sciences, 2(6), 166-172.

Kippers, W. B., Wolterinck, C. H. D., Schildkamp, K., Poortman, C. L., & Visscher, A. J. (2018). Teachers' views on the use of assessment for learning and data-based decision-making in classroom practice. Teaching and Teacher Education, 75, 199-213.

Klenowski, V., (2009). Assessment for Learning Revisited: An Asia-Pacific Perspective. Assessment in Education: Principles, Policy and Practice 16(3): 263–268. https://doi.org/10.1080/09695940903319646.

Lynam, S., & Cachia, M. (2018). Students’ perceptions of the role of assessments at higher education. Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, 43(2), 223-234.

Lysaght, Z., & O'Leary, M. (2013). An instrument to audit teachers' use of assessment for learning. Irish Educational Studies, 32(2), 217-232

Lysaght, Z., O’Leary, M., & Ludlow, L. (2013). A Measurement instrument to evaluate teachers’ assessment for learning (AfL) classroom practices. International Journal of Educational and Psychology Assessment Methodology, 14(2), 40-60.

Mahlambi, S. B., Berg, G. V., & Mawela, A. S. (2022). Exploring the use of assessment for learning in the mathematics Classroom. Journal of Education. 88. https://doi.org./10.17159/2520-9868/i89a02

McMillan, J. H. (2008). Assessment essentials for standards-based education. London: Corwin Press.

Mekonnen, G. T. (2014). EFL classroom assessment: Teachers' practice and teaching techniques adjustment in Ethiopia. Educational Research and Reviews, 9(20), 1071-1089.

Ministry of Education (2018). Education Strategic Plan (ESP) 2018 – 2030. Ghana: A learning nation. Policies, programmes, key performance indicators, financing and a monitoring and evaluation framework. Accra, Ghana. https://www.globalpartnership.org/content/educationstrategic-plan-2018-2030-ghana

Mullis, V. S., Martin, O. M.; Foy, M. P., & Arora, A. (2012). TIMSS 2011, International Results in Mathematics: TIMSS and PIRLS International Study Centre.

Ministry of Education (2023). National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA). Teachers Assessment Manual and ToolKit: Handbook for Teachers. Author. Ghana.

Noori, A., Shafie, N. H., Mashwani, H. U., & Tareen, H. (2017). Afghan EFL lecturers’ assessment practices in the classroom. Imperial Journal of Interdisciplinary Research, 3(10), 130-143.

National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA). (2019). Mathematics curriculum for senior high schools. Ministry of Education.

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). (1995). Assessment standards for school mathematics. Reston, VA: NCTM.

Ntim, W. N., Annan-Brew, R. K., Asamoah-Gyimah, K., Owusu-Amoako, J., Adzrolo, B., & Adobah, E. (2023). Handling Formative Assessment for and as Learning: The Role of Classroom Teachers. Psychology, 14, 1260-1267. https://doi.org/10.4236/psych.2023.148069

Nsowah, A. F., & Reaburn, R. (2022). Senior high school students’ perceptions of mathematics teachers’ assessment practices in Ghana. In N. Fitzallen, C. Murphy & V. Hatisaru (Eds.). Mathematical confluences and journeys (Proceedings of the 44th Annual Conference of the Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia, July 3-7 (pp. 66-77). MERGA

OECD (2023). Implementation of Ireland’s leaving certificate 2020-2021: lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic. OECD Education Policy Perspectives. Washington: OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/e36a10b8-en.

Onyefulu, C. (2018). Assessment practices of teachers in selected primary and secondary schools in Jamaica. Open Access Library Journal, 5(12), 1-25

Okyere, M., & Larbi, E. (2019). Senior high school mathematics teachers’ perception and use of assessment in the classroom. African Journal of Educational Studies in Mathematics and Sciences, 15(2), 43–54.

Oppong-Gyebi, E., Atta, A. S., Amo-Asante, K., Belbase, S., Bonyah, E., and Opoku. M. P. (2023). High school teachers’ perceptions and practices of mathematics curriculum in Ghana. Educational Research International. https://doi.org/10.1155/4304267

Osman, S. (2021). Basic School Teachers' Assessment Practices in Sissala East Municipality, Ghana. European Journal of Education Studies, 8(7). https://doi.org/10.46827/ejes.v8i7.3801

Pat-El, R. J., Tillema, H., Segers, M., & Vedder, P. (2015). Multilevel predictors of differing perceptions of assessment for learning practices between teachers and students. Assessment in Education: Principles, Policy & Practice, 22(2), 282-298.

Quansah, F. & Ankoma-Sey, V.R. (2020). Evaluation of Pre-Service Education Programme in Terms of Educational Assessment. International Journal of Research in Teacher Education, 11(1), 56-69.

Schildkamp, K. (2019). Data-based decision-making for school improvement: Research insights and gaps. Educational Research, 61(3), 257–273. https://doi.org/10.1080/00131881.2019.1625716

Sahito, Z., Özer, Ö., Abro, G. A., & Junejo, K. A. (2024). Perception of the elementary mathematics teachers about assessment for learning: a case study of Sukkur IBA community colleges, Sindh, Pakistan. In Frontiers in Education (Vol. 9, p. 1430318).

Sajjad, H., Nasir, S., Nasir, A., & Saif, U. I. (2019). Teachers’ classroom assessment practices: Challenges and opportunities to classroom teachers in Pakistan. The Dialogue, 14(1), 88-97.

Schellekens, L. H., Bok, H. G., de Jong, L. H., van der Schaaf, M. F., Kremer, W. D., & van der Vleuten, C. P. (2021). A scoping review on the notions of Assessment as Learning (AaL), Assessment for Learning (AfL), and Assessment of Learning (AoL). Studies in Educational Evaluation, 71, 101094.

Sobart, G., (2005). Fairness in multicultural assessment systems. Assessment in Education: Principles, Policy and Practice. 12(3), 275-287. https://doi.org/10.1080/09695940500337249

Suurtamm, C., Koch, M., & Arden, A. (2010). Teachers’ assessment practices in mathematics: Classrooms in the context of reform. Assessment in Education: Principles, Policy & Practice, 17(4), 399-417

Suah, S. L., & Ong, S. L. (2012). Investigating assessment practices of in-service teachers. International Online Journal of Educational Sciences, 4(1).

Swaffield, S. (2011). Getting to the heart of authentic assessment for learning. Assessment in Education: Principles, Policy and Practice, 18(4), 433–449. https://doi.org/10.1080/0969594X.2011.582838

Takele, M., & Melese, W. (2022). Primary school teachers’ conceptions and practices of assessment and their relationships. Cogent Education, 9(1), 2090185. https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2022.2090185

Taras, M. (2005). Assessment-summative and formative-some theoretical reflections. British Journal of Educational Studies, 55(4), 466-478.

Thibaut, L., Ceuppens, S., De Loof, H., De Meester, J., Goovaerts, L., Struyf, A., Boeve-de Pauw, J., Dehaene, W., Deprez, J., De Cock, M., Hellinckx, L., Knipprath, H., Langie, G., Struyven, K., Van de Velde, D., Van Petegem, P., & Depaepe, F. (2018). Integrated STEM education: A systematic review of instructional practices in secondary education. European Journal of STEM Education, 3(1), 02.

Thompson, M., & Goe, L. (2006). Models for effective and scalable teacher professional development. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association, San Francisco, CA.

Tikly, L., Joubert, M., Barrett, A. M., Bainton, D., Cameron, L., & Doyle, H. (2018). Supporting secondary school STEM education for sustainable development in Africa. University of Bristol, Bristol Working Papers in Education Series.

Veugen, M. J., Gulikers, J. T. M., & den Brok, P. (2021). We agree on what we see: Teacher and student perceptions of formative assessment practice. Studies in Educational Evaluation, 70 (October 2020). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stueduc.2021.101027

Volante, L., DeLuca, C., Barnes, N., Birenbaum, M., Kimber, M., Koch, M., Looney, A., Poskitt, J., & Wyatt-Smith, C. (2024). International trends in the implementation of assessment for learning revisited: Implications for policy and practice in a post-COVID world. Policy Futures in Education, 0(0)1-19.

Wong, T. K. Y., Tao, X., and Konishi, C. (2018). Teacher support in learning: instrumental and appraisal support in relation to math achievement. Issues Educational Research, 28:202

Wiliam, D., Lee, C., Harrison, C., & Black, P. (2004). Teachers developing assessment for learning: Impact on student achievement. Assessment in Education: Principles, Policy & Practice, 11(1), 49-65.

Wiliam, D. (2011). What is assessment for learning? Studies in Educational Evaluation, 37(1), 3-14.

Wolterinck-Broekhuis, C. H., Poortman, C. L., Schildkamp, K., & Visscher, A. J. (2024). Key stakeholder voices: Investigating student perceptions of teachers’ use of assessment for learning. Educational Assessment, Evaluation and Accountability, 36(2), 257-275.

Yusuf, H. T. (2017). Teachers’ Classroom Assessment Strategies and Curriculum Implementation in Nigerian Secondary Schools. MOJEM: Malaysian Online Journal of Educational Management, 3(4), 50-62.

Yan Z., Li Z., & Panadero E. (2021) A systematic review on factors influencing teachers’ intentions and implementations regarding formative assessment. Assessment in Education: Principles, Policy & Practice 28(3): 228–260 https://doi.rog/0.1080/0969594X.2021.1884042.

Yan, Z., & Pastore, S. (2022). Assessing teachers’ strategies in formative assessment: The teacher formative assessment practice scale. Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment, 40(5), 592-604.




DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.46827/ejes.v12i3.5900

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


Copyright (c) 2025 Fred Adusei Nsowah, Enock Yeboah, Richard Darko Osei, Vivian Nimoh, Samuel Ofori Agyeman

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Copyright © 2015-2026. European Journal of Education Studies (ISSN 2501 - 1111) is a registered trademark of Open Access Publishing Group. All rights reserved.


This journal is a serial publication uniquely identified by an International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) serial number certificate issued by Romanian National Library (Biblioteca Nationala a Romaniei). All the research works are uniquely identified by a CrossRef DOI digital object identifier supplied by indexing and repository platforms. All authors who send their manuscripts to this journal and whose articles are published on this journal retain full copyright of their articles. All the research works published on this journal are meeting the Open Access Publishing requirements and can be freely accessed, shared, modified, distributed and used in educational, commercial and non-commercial purposes under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).