The Perceptions of Middle School Teachers of English on the Learning Outcomes Framework and Continuous Assessment
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62695/HJBM3765Keywords:
Learning Outcomes Framework, Learning Outcomes, Formative Assessment, Continuous Assessment, PhenomenologyAbstract
This research paper investigates how teachers of English teaching in state middle schools around Malta perceive the Learning Outcomes Framework and the introduction of Continuous Assessment. This study identifies the teachers’ opinions on these phenomena and their implications on teaching and learning. Data was collected through qualitative online questionnaires and a semi-structured interview with an Education Officer (EO). This research identified that teachers are aware of the advantages of the Learning Outcomes Framework and Continuous Assessment on learning; however, they also acknowledge the added workload and extra preparation they entail. The data analysis revealed that teachers are familiar with what Continuous Assessment and Formative Assessment imply, yet have difficulty with defining differences. In conclusion, both the number of Learning Outcomes and the teachers’ workload must be reduced.
References
Adams, A. & Cox, A. L. (2008). Questionnaires, in-depth interviews and focus groups. In P. Cairns & A. L. Cox (Eds.), Research Methods for Human Computer Interaction (pp. 17–34). Cambridge University Press.
Attard Tonna, M., & Bugeja, G. (2016). A reflection on the learning outcomes framework project [Commentary]. Malta Review of Educational Research, 10(1), 169–176.
Bednall, J. (2006). Epoche and bracketing within the phenomenological paradigm. Issues in Educational Research, 16(2), 123–138. https://ife.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/scholarlyjournals/epoche-bracketing-withinphenomenological/docview/2393188017/se-2
Black, P., & Wiliam, D. (1998). Inside the black box. Phi Delta Kappan, 80(2), 139–148.
Clark, I. (2010). Formative Assessment: ‘There is nothing so practical as a good theory’. Australian Journal of Education, 54(3), 341–352. https://doi.org/10.1177/000494411005400308
Cohen, L., Manion, L., & Morrison, K. (2017). Research Methods in Education (8th ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315456539
Galletta, A., & Cross, W. E. (2013). Mastering the semi-structured interview and beyond: From research design to analysis and publication. NYU Press. https://doi.org/10.18574/9780814732953
Giordimaina, M. G. (2020). A case study of the Senior Management Team’s role in sustaining AfL in one state primary school [Master Dissertation]. University of Malta.
Given, L. M. (2008). The SAGE encyclopedia of qualitative research methods. SAGE Publications, Inc. Doi: 10.4135/9781412963909
Government Gazette, 1988-08-09, No. 15010, Supplement, pp. A277-A321, Legislation on-line, Ministry of Justice and Home Affairs, Malta. https://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/docs/ELECTRONIC/6465/71955/F-1336826228/MLT6465.pdf
Grima, J., Borg, J., Curmi, C., & Satariano, A. (n.d.). Assessment for Learning: Practical Guidelines for the Classroom [Ebook] (1st ed.). Retrieved 20 August 2021.
Holmes, N. (2018). Engaging with assessment: Increasing student engagement through continuous assessment. Active Learning in Higher Education, 19(1), 23–34. https://doi-org.ife.idm.oclc.org/10.1177/1469787417723230
Ministry for Education and Employment [MEDE]. (2015). The Learning Outcomes Framework. Retrieved 02 October 2021, from https://www.schoolslearningoutcomes.edu.mt/en/pages/about-theframework
Ministry of Education and Employment. (2012). A National Curriculum Framework For All 2021. Salesian Press. https://curriculum.gov.mt/en/Resources/The-NCF/Documents/NCF.pdf
Moustakas, C. (1994). Phenomenological research methods. SAGE Publications, Inc. https://www.doi.org/10.4135/9781412995658
National Research Council. (2008). Early childhood assessment: Why, what, and how. 10.17226/12446.
Peterson, N. (n.d.). Guidelines for Continuous Assessment. University of Johannesburg. https://www.uj.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/uj-guidelines-for-continuous-assessment-2.pdf
Said Pace, D. (2018). Assessment for Learning (AfL) in one Maltese State College [Doctoral Dissertation]. The University of Sheffield.
Satariano, A. (2015). Assessment for learning in the Maltese state primary classroom: The Blue Creek College case study. Malta Review for Educational Research, 9(2), 271–289.
Schembri, H. (2020). How is the Learning Outcomes Framework Responding to an Internationalised School Culture in Primary Schools in Malta? Malta Journal Of Education, 1(1), 124–126. https://instituteforeducation.gov.mt/en/Documents/Symposium/Symposium%202020/Malta%20Journal%20of%20Education/Malta%20Journal%20of%20Education_Volume%201_No%201_2020_106-133.pdf
Scriven, M. (1979). Interview: Michael Scriven: Viewpoints on Education Evaluation. Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis, 1(2), 66–72. https://doi.org/10.3102/01623737001002066
Silverman, D. (Ed.). (2020). Qualitative Research. Sage.
Smith, D. (2013). Phenomenology. In E. N. Zalta (Ed.), The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Summer 2018 Edition). https://plato.stanford.edu/archives/sum2018/entries/phenomenology/
Vahed, A., Walters, M. M., & Ashley Hilton, A. R. (2023). Continuous assessment fit for purpose? Analysing the experiences of academics from a South African university of technology. Education Inquiry, 14(2), 267–283. https://doi.org/10.1080/20004508.2021.1994687
Wiliam, D., & Black, P. (1996). Meanings and Consequences: A basis for distinguishing formative and summative functions of assessment? British Educational Research Journal, 22(5), 537–548. http://www.jstor.org/stable/1501668