Answer to Question #271646 in Economics for Amelia

Question

3.1 How can Economics teachers be helped to develop their skills in continuous assessment practice in order to increase students' effectiveness in Economics? /08/

3.2 Which obstacles impede Economics teachers' successful adherence with the continuous assessment norm in South Africa? /09/

3.3 What factors militate against the effective compliance with continuous assessment standard by Economics teachers in South Africa.

Answer 1

3.1. The possible ways are:

(i) Exposing Economics teachers to regular seminars and workshops on item construction sharpen their skill, (ii) Continuous assessment procedure facilitates guidance function in a school both in the learning and preparation for a career.

(iii) Assessment is an integral part of the teaching process.

3.2-3.3. These factors are:

• The large class size discourage effective compliance with continuous assessment practice.
• The task of implementing continuous assessment is weighing the teachers down due to work load.
• The problem of high pupil/teachers ratio. This makes it difficult for a teacher to assess up to 40 students effectively especially with non-cognitive instruments.