Assessment Strategies to Enhance Learning in Higher Education

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate assessment strategies to enhance learning in Higher Education. Qualitative approach of using open ended questions from the questionnaire, interview questions and observation checklist were adopted to collect data in this study. The samples selected for this study comprised 181 undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as 22 instructors from a renowned university in the United States of America. The result showed that most students from the School of Education prefer small assignments, project/paper, feedback, field work, small group discussion, presentation, classroom activities, case study, assigned reading, reflective writing, role play, debate, portfolio, group work and quiz than final exam as the strategies in higher education. Based on the findings, sitting for test/quiz was the least popular assessment strategy while small assignments were the most common. On the other hand, document analysis with checklist further revealed that different courses have different assessment strategies. Nevertheless, interviews conducted with both instructors and students showed a similar preference of assessment strategies in the higher education among students. Generally, the findings can be sub divided into four broad categories; assignment strategies, classroom activities strategies, feedback strategies and reading materials strategies. In conclusion, effective assessments provide information of the students on their achievements to reach the learning goals of higher education institutions. Thus, it is most effective if the assessments were compiled and strategized based on multiple resources to ensure its efficiency in assessing the students’ achievements.