Effect of Assessment Strategies on Pre-unit Children’s Achievement in Numberwork in Limuru Zone, Kiambu County, Kenya

Abstract

The study sought to determine whether there is a relationship between teacher assessment strategies and pre unit children’s achievement in number work in Limuru zone, Kiambu County. The specific objectives were to determine the effect of written tests on achievement in pre unit number work; to establish the effect of observation on achievement in pre unit number work; to determine the effect of manipulation of concrete objects on achievement in pre unit number work; to analyze assessment strategies on pre unit children’s achievement in number work. The study adopted a quasi-experimental design and made use of qualitative approaches to achieve the research objectives. Data was collected through questionnaires that were distributed to the teachers their teaching experience, age, academic level and the type of assessment applied and collected; observation checklists and schedules were also used to collect data on various activities administered to children. Written tests were also administered to collect data from the children on sequencing, taking away and even putting together. Once primary data was collected, both qualitative and quantitative data method were used to analyze the data to answer the research questions. The study found out that teachers’ assessment strategies affect pre unit achievement in that, when they are given hands on activities, children are able to achieve better. When teachers observe children performing various duties naturally they perform well. The study also found that written tests was the most used assessment strategy unlike observation and manipulation of concrete objects. It also found out that relying on one assessment strategy poses constraints such as fear, dislike and so on, on pre unit achievement. The study concludes that more observation and manipulation of concrete objects and less of written tests will ensure high achievement. The study recommends diverse assessment strategies to be adopted to help in achieving high pre unit performance. The study also suggests a research to be done on assessment strategies and primary school achievement.