An Analysis of the Competency-Based Assessment Process in Mathematics Education at the Senior Secondary Level in Sri Lanka
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.60072/ijeissah.2024.v2i03.005Abstract
Background: Sri Lanka has a long history of having an examination-based education system that caters to three main examinations conducted nationally. After over a decade, the country has yet to achieve its objective of the competency-based education system introduced in 2007. Sri Lanka practices an eight-year curriculum cycle reform, which is presently overdue. The current study analyses the existing situation of the competency-based assessment process, which will provide information from the classroom level. The research will address three questions: 1. What assessment methods are used? 2. What are the challenges teachers face in the application? 3. What types of training and support are given by the authorities for applying CBE-based mathematics assessments at the senior secondary level? Methods: The study employed a quantitative approach, using a stratified random sampling method. A questionnaire was used to collect data from 276 mathematics teachers who teach grades ten and eleven in the Western Province. Results: The results revealed that the challenges were a lack of support facilities and resources, long working hours, overcrowded classrooms, and a low understanding of CBE concepts among teachers. Paper-and-pencil tests and questioning are the most common evaluation methods used in classrooms. Conclusion: It is recommended that the Department of Education, with the help of the school authorities, monitor the assessment process and provide adequate training for the teachers to integrate assessment with classroom activities, and provide necessary resources. A school-based assessment method must be integrated with the end-of-term examination, giving it equal weight.
Keywords:
Competency-Based Education, Assessment, Authentic Assessments, Participatory Assessments, Descriptive AssessmentsReferences
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