Ej 1143759
Ej 1143759
org
DOI: 10.13189/ujer.2017.050505
Department of Accounting and Finance, Faculty of Business and Accounting, Botho University, Botswana
Copyright©2017 by authors, all rights reserved. Authors agree that this article remains permanently open access under the
terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0 International License
members are given three classes to teach and a class What are the students’ reactions towards their
constitute of thirty students. It is imperative for these performance after implementing self-assessment and
students to write at least five mock examinations before they peer-assessment?
write the final assessment. These mock assessments act as What are the benefits that accrue from well
formative feedback hence the need for prompt results. It is administered self-assessment and peer-assessment?
from this background that the author of this study was What are the recommendations based on the
motivated to conduct this research. The self-and participants’ feelings towards implementation of
peer-assessment fosters debate among educators on the self-assessment and peer-assessment in higher
credibility of grades that are granted based on this concept education?
unless if it is carried out for formative assessment only. The
issue is that how much trust does the public give to a The next section focuses on the scope of the study.
qualification obtained through self-and peer-assessment.
Most educators agreed that it is imperative to encourage 1.5. Scope of the Study
self-and peer –assessment as formative feedback rather than
summative (final assessment), in order to get confidence This section focuses on the scope of this study. This study
from the society. is about the self-and peer-assessment in the AAT department
Furthermore, self-assessment and peer-assessment at Botho University. The research also investigates whether
improves the relationships between the teacher and student. self-and peer-assessment intervention prepares the students
This study focuses on the restoration of the relationship to be responsible and accountable when they are employed in
between the teacher and the student. [10] postulate that future. The next section explores the significance of this
self-assessment was important from a student’s perspective study.
as it enhances self-directed professionals to fit easily in the
real world. Therefore, this study will address and prove that 1.6. Significance of the Study
effective self-assessment and peer - assessment improves the
teacher and student’s relationship. Therefore the researcher This section focuses on the significance of this study. The
was motivated to conduct this study and to draw some need to equip our students with skills in various
conclusions about how this approach may assist the students, methodologies of assessment is critical to their effective
teachers, educational institutions and the employers at large. preparation for global employability. By and large all
The next section of this paper focuses on the purpose of the employers are bound to use some form of assessment in
study. measuring performance and utility of their employees to
their business operations. This study will hopefully shed
1.2. Purpose of the Study some light on the how we utilise current and recommended
assessment methodologies in the processes of enhancing
The main purpose of this paper is to identify approaches
global employability of our graduates.
that prepare the students for self-learning and self-directing
in the AAT department within Botho University. The subsequent section explores the literature review
pertaining to this study.
1.3. Objectives of the Study
The first objective is to find out whether self-assessment 2. Literature Review
and peer-assessment improves students’ performance.
The second objective of this study is to find out whether This section reviews theoretical and empirical literature
there are benefits that accrue from well administered self-and pertaining to self-assessment and peer-assessment,
peer-assessment. particularly in relation to lifelong learning. The next section
The third objective is to see whether self-assessment and explains the five stages of professional development.
peer-assessment may be implemented in higher education.
The next section focuses on the research questions that 2.1. Metaphors, Five Stages of Professional Development
will be answered in this study.
This section focuses on the five stages for professional
development, which helps students in the AAT department to
1.4. Research Questions identify their levels of entry into employment world. [3]
postulates that there are five stages of professional
The research questions for this study are as follows: development from novice to expert which were summarised
in Table 1 below.
Universal Journal of Educational Research 5(5): 733-743, 2017 735
Table 1. The professional practice implications of the five levels of expertise (“Adapted from Daley, 1999; 2000; 2001; McDonald, 2001”)
Level of expertise Situational awareness General practice application Application
Junior clerks acquired a diploma in AAT. Draws on own
Little experience with real Rely on rule - oriented
Novice experiences as student for Botho University through the
situations behaviour to guide practice
self-and peer-assessment intervention.
Advanced Able to differentiate between Assistant accountant-experience in all fields of practice ,
Can cope with reality
Beginner situations but not considered an expert
Usually has three to five Can organize and plan Accountant competent in the preparation of financial
Competent
years of experience in activities and can cope with statements. Built up professional networks. Can supervise
professional
specific field of practice unpredictable situations. large projects.
Proficient Understands complex Progresses to a holistic sense Finance Manager, this is an established accountant and is
professional practice-related situations of the work respected in his or her field.
Financial Director, this is a professional in the field of
An involved performer, not
Transforms information into accounting and is usually considered an expert of the
just a detached observer
Expert practical knowledge, made subject matter. Respected for competence and expertise by
guided by clinical reasoning
meaningful by context colleagues, mentees, learners and others in the accounting
and professional judgement.
discipline.
The above levels assist the students in understanding the postulated by [4]:
levels they go through after leaving the training institutions. Adult learners are autonomous and self-directed. That is
As the students will learn to be self-directed through self-and they need to be free to direct themselves. They need to
peer-assessment intervention they become responsible and be involved in the learning process and the educators
accountable to their work. serve as facilitators for them. Educators should allow
The next section focuses on Pedagogy and Andragogy participants to assume responsibility and accountability
principles. for presentation and group leadership.
Adults have accumulated a foundation of experiences
2.2. Pedagogy and Andragogy Principles
from their work, home as well as previous education.
The two terms are often used side-by-side when They need to connect learning to this knowledge or
discussing education, training, and development. It is experience base. To help them do so educators should
therefore vital to get them clarified at the outset through an draw out participant’s knowledge and experience
explanation of these principles. “Andragogy” refers to the relevant to the subject matter.
art and science of helping adults to learn, while “Pedagogy” Adults are relevancy-oriented. They must see a reason
is the art and science of teaching children. For centuries, for learning something. Learning has to be applicable to
educators had only one model-the pedagogical model. This is their working environment or other responsibilities of
one that most educators have experience with, as it has value to them. Therefore, the educator should identify
dominated the education field until recently. As a result, the objectives for them before the course or the
adults have generally been taught as if they were children. intervention begins.
The next section explains the characteristics of school Adults are practical. They tend to focus more on the
children and adults. lesson that is most useful to them in their field of work.
They may not be interested in knowledge for its own
2.2.1. Characteristics of School Children and Adults sake, and as such instructors should explicitly tell them
The pedagogical model makes the following assumptions how the lesson or the intervention would be useful to
about school children. their job.
The learner is mainly dependent on the teacher, and is Adults need to be respected. Educators should
often submissive and carries out the teacher’s acknowledge the wealth of experiences that the learners
directions. bring to the classroom, and treat them as equals in
The child’s experience is limited and depends on the experience and knowledge and allow them to voice
teacher’s experience and support in order to learn new their opinions freely in class.
knowledge. Adults prefer to have some degree of control over their
Learners become ready to learn what the teacher tells learning, and may need some degree of directness
them they must learn if they want to pass. depending on their maturity level. They tend to be
Learners have a subject-centred orientation to learning voluntary and believe that education will be helpful.
and see learning as acquiring matter content. Adults are people with bodies influenced by gravity.
Children are motivated by external motivators; for Frequent breaks must be planned, even if they are
example the marks, the teacher’s approval or two-minute stretch breaks. During a lecture a short
disapproval and parental pressure. break after every 45 – 60 minutes is useful.
According to the andragogical model, the following are Adults have pride; therefore they need to be supported
some of the characteristics of the adult learner that were as individuals. They will not ask questions or answer
736 Teaching Intervention Strategies that Enhance Learning in Higher Education
questions if they are afraid of being ridiculed. Treat all also need the opportunity to apply and try-out learning
comments with respect. quickly.
The educator should note that individual differences These were the implications of andragogy for adult
increase with age. Take into account differences in style, learning and the next section explores on the implications for
time, and pace of learning. Use auditory, visual, tactile and the educator.
participatory teaching methods. 2.2.4. Implications for the Educator
2.2.2. What is an adult? This section explores on the implications for an educator,
According to [4], “a person become adult psychologically which includes: self-concept, experience, readiness to learn
when they arrive at a self-concept of being responsible for and orientation towards learning.
own lives and of being self-directed”. The implications are a) Self-concept
that:
The educators should be extremely careful and sensitive Educators recognize that learners are self-directing, and
to individual adults under their care. treat them accordingly. The educator is a learning reference,
While it is the psychological definition that is most rather than a traditional instructor, and avoids talking down
crucial, the other definitions play an important part of to adult learners who are experienced decision-makers and
defining adulthood. self-starters. The educator should, instead, try to meet learner
The educator should synchronise learning styles with needs.
methods of facilitating learning grounded in the b) Experience
definition of an adult.
The pedagogical and andragogical assumptions are The educator should not reject the experience of the adult
complementary because there are circumstances where learner; therefore experience is viewed as foundational to all
pedagogical assumptions suit adults and vice versa. subsequent learning.
The following section focuses on the implications for c) Readiness to Learn
adult learning. Adult learners learn when they are assisted to identify gaps
2.2.3. Implications for Adult Learning in their knowledge. No questions are perceived as wrong,
and all questions are opportunities for learning.
This section focuses on the implications for adult learning
that comprises of: self-concept, experience, readiness to d) Orientation Towards Learning
learn, orientation towards learning. The primary emphasis in the course is on learners learning,
a) Self-concept rather than on teachers teaching. Involvement in problems to
be solved, case histories, and critical incidents generally
A climate of openness and respect is helpful in identifying offer greater learning opportunity for adults than talking to
what learners want and need to learn. Adults enjoy planning them in a lecture.
and carrying out their own learning exercises, and they also The literature pertaining to adult students has shown that
need to be involved in evaluating their own performance. the educator should motivate the learners to be self-directed
b) Experience hence the need to conduct this study as an intervention. This
intervention may assist Higher education institutions in
Less use is made of transmittal techniques for example employing self-and peer-assessment as a strategy which
lectures and more of experimental techniques such as prepares students to be responsible and accountable in their
role-play. A new discovery by learners on how to learn from future employment circles. It is important for the researcher
experience is a key to and essential for self-actualization. to understand the application of the principles of pedagogy
Mistakes are opportunities for learning. To reject adult and andragogy as they act as a vehicle in the implementation
experience is to reject the adult. of self-and peer-assessment in the classroom.
c) Readiness to Learn The next section explores the research design and
methodology for this study.
Adults need opportunities to identify the competency
requirements of their occupational and social roles. Adult
readiness to learn and teachable moments come to a peak at 3. Research Design and Methodology
those points where a learning opportunity is co-ordinated
with recognition of the need to know. Adults may also best This section focuses on the research design and
identify their own readiness to learn and teachable moments. methodology that was used in this study to collect and
analyse the data. The researcher used a survey research
d) Orientation Towards Learning design to investigate the impact of self-and peer-assessment
Adult learning needs to be problem-centred, and not in the AAT department at Botho University in Botswana.
theoretically oriented. Formal course development is less The main purpose of this study was to determine whether
valuable than finding out what learners need to learn. Adults self-and peer-assessment prepares the students to be
Universal Journal of Educational Research 5(5): 733-743, 2017 737
self-directed and enhance competitiveness in the perceived as motivated; students would appreciate the role
employment market. In the context where students are they play in setting out a criteria for standardisation; the
self-directed there will be a competitive edge in the job involvement and engagement of students in devising the
market. assessment criteria would be an effective way of developing
The data for this study was collected form the three classes their understanding of the criteria and contributed to their
for AAT semester three with a population of 90 students. favourable attitudes towards the use of self-assessment and
The next section explores on the training that was given to peer-assessment; self-assessment and peer-assessment
the participants of this intervention. assists students in problem solving and decision making;
self-assessment and peer-assessment will enhance team
3.1. Training of Participants on the Intervention building and cooperation among the teams and it will be very
The targeted control group required training before the easy for the teachers to coordinate their classes as good spirit
implementation of the self-and peer-assessment intervention. and cooperation will have been enhanced in the classes.
The training and implementation took place on the following Furthermore, the self-assessment and peer assessment
days; Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in Swaneng improves the teacher and student’s relationship.
room number 12 in Botho University. A detailed timetable The implementation of this approach would be based on
for this experiment was given to the concerned students. the outcome from the quick survey through a questionnaire,
According to [2] whenever there is a change, the majority of which the researcher gave to his classes asking the students
the people may resist because of psychological reasons such whether they support self-assessment and peer-assessment.
as: fear of the unknown and a natural resistance inherently in The questionnaire was completed by the students after
human beings, therefore there was a need conduct a quick training on the benefits of self-assessment and
survey using a questionnaire, to investigate whether the peer-assessment. The researcher proceeded with the
students accept or reject the implementation of implementation after more than 50% of majority of the
self-assessment and peer-assessment. The implementation students accepted the self-and peer-assessment approach. A
process of this intervention was explained in section 3.2 of brief summary of the training to the three classes was
this study. explained in section 3.3 of this study.
3.2. Procedures for the Implementation of 3.3. Training on the Benefits for Self-assessment and
Self-assessment and Peer-assessment to three Classes Peer-assessment
at Botho University
Training of the students was vital to this intervention
The researcher a teacher for AAT Basic Costing was because the success of this experiment depended on the
challenged to prepare students to be accountable and students’ competency to carry out this task. Furthermore,
responsible through self-assessment and peer-assessment. training and support in the developing of the skills necessary
Therefore there was a need for the AAT students to write six for accurate grading appears to pay off. Training of
mock assessments before final examination because this was
participants yielded better results from the exercise and
part of their deep learning. The author of this paper was
foster confidence to the students. Training is a systematic
convinced that at least 85% of the students may obtain
process of developing the knowledge, skills and attitude
competency results if they work on all the six practice
required by an individual to perform adequately a given task
assessments. The challenge to the researcher was to train the
or job [7]. The students’ behaviour changed after this
students to self-assess and peer assess their own work in
order to get prompt feedback. The only panacea to the effective training. The researcher was convinced that the
researcher’s problem was the implementation of students understood the importance of the self-assessment
self-assessment and peer-assessment in to his classes. The and peer-assessment hence a quick survey was conducted as
researcher used the three classes as the control group for the explained in section 3.4 of this study.
other AAT classes, therefore if this implementation proved
to be successful; it would then be extended to other classes. 3.4. Administration of the Quick Survey
Furthermore, this intervention was very important to the
The researcher gave the students a questionnaire with
AAT department because if positive results would be yielded
instructions on how to complete it and it took them
this same approach may be implemented across the AAT
department. [9] pointed out that there are various benefits approximately half an hour to complete. The students were
which accrues to a proper implementation of self-assessment told not to complete their names on the questionnaire. The
and peer-assessment and some of these benefits include; importance of the questionnaire was explained during the
students would learn from themselves and others; peer training sessions and all the questionnaires were completed.
assessment may, in some ways assess the students’ The questionnaires were given to the ninety students who
performance more effectively and objectively; the individual were in the researcher‘s classes.
student will work very hard in order to cope with the team; The results from a quick survey were analysed in section 4
the individual student contribute to the group work and is of this study.
738 Teaching Intervention Strategies that Enhance Learning in Higher Education
The responses were very good where the overall percentage of the students strongly agreed and agreed that there were
benefits in the self-and peer-assessment intervention. This reflected that the students understood the benefits of self-and
peer-assessments. The results were also interpreted in graphs below:
The results above reflect that 96 % of the respondents agreed that self-and peer-assessment provides as a vehicle for
prompt and formative feedback.
Universal Journal of Educational Research 5(5): 733-743, 2017 739
Graph 1.2. Self-assessment and peer-assessment prepares students to be accountable and responsible
The results above indicated that 100% of the respondents agreed that self-and peer-assessment prepares students to be
accountable and responsible.
The above graph reflected that 98% of the respondents agreed that self-and peer-assessment change the students’
behaviour and attitudes. The 2% represented the students who were biased towards the intervention and they were students
with negative attitude towards this intervention.
740 Teaching Intervention Strategies that Enhance Learning in Higher Education
Graph 1.4. Self-assessment and peer-assessment enhances students’ learning and stimulates motivation
The above graph reflects that 100% of the respondents agreed that self-and peer-assessment enhances students’ learning
and stimulates motivation. This study also proved that motivated students are self-directing and they cooperate by adhering to
instructions and set standards. However, this concept of self-directing will assist students when they are employed as they are
expected to work with minimum supervision.
Graph 1.5. Self-assessment and peer-assessment foster the students’ performance and participation
Universal Journal of Educational Research 5(5): 733-743, 2017 741
The results above shows that 98% of the respondents the self-assessment and peer-assessment principles. The
agreed that self-and peer-assessment foster the students’ researcher used the first practice assessment in the AAT
performance and participation. Therefore it is important for Basic costing as dummy assessments for both
students to peer-review other students’ work because the rate self-assessment and peer-assessment. A dummy sample of
of performance will be enhanced. the assessment was used for standardisation. The researcher
Finally the above results indicated that the majority (96%) was very happy with the students’ performance during the
of the students agreed with the concept of self-assessment standardisation and this lead to the implementation stage on
and peer-assessment except for a 4% of the students who section 5.2 of the study.
disagreed to the idea. The results were very favourable and
the researcher proceeded with the intervention. It was very 5.2. Implementation Stage
inevitable for the researcher to plan for the intervention and
this was explained in section 5 of this study. The implementation of self-assessment and
peer-assessment was launched after achieving a deviation on
the standardization of marks equal to 3 ≥ -3. The researcher
5. Planning for the Intervention gave the students practice assessment 2 to write as a test. The
students were given practice assessment 2 to write in class
The results from the quick survey were positive and shown and the answer scripts were collected for self-assessment.
that the researcher should proceed with the intervention. In The students marked their own work and the process took
order for the researcher to progress and succeed in this one-hour thirty minutes. The students’ own grading was
intervention it was imperative to plan how to carry out the recorded. The teacher (researcher) marked the same papers
experiment. A detailed plan was drawn out which included a and it took him three days to complete the assessment and
workshop on how to standardize a practice assessment. The recording of grades. The students and the teacher‘s grades
next section explains how to conduct a standardisation on were recorded in section 5.3 of this study.
AAT Basic Costing practice assessment.
5.3. Results on Self-assessment
5.1. Workshop on Standardisation of Practice
Assessments The results for the students’ self-assessment and the
teacher’s results from practice assessments 2 for AAT Basic
The researcher conducted a workshop on how to
Costing are shown on table 3 below:
standardize an AAT Basic Costing practice assessment using
Table 3. Comparisons of results for students’ self-assessment and my assessments (teacher’s grades with one of the classes)
Teacher’s
Range % Student-Self-Assessment Variance Outcome
Assessment
Grading (F) (F)
0 ≤ 69 2 3 -1 NYC
70 – 79 12 13 -1 C
80 – 89 9 9 0 C
90 – 99 7 5 2 C
100 0 0 0 C
Total 30 30
Key:
Competent = C
Not yet competent = NYC
Frequency = F
742 Teaching Intervention Strategies that Enhance Learning in Higher Education