Should Primary Schools Reduce Their Dependence on Testing To Measure Performance Levels
Introduction
Performance measures are continuously becoming important in judging the performance of students in various schools and determining their ranking.
Primary or secondary schools assess performance on the basis of examinations and through conducting sports (Kaufman, 2010).
The current research proposal will focus on the primary schools of Curepipe, Mauritius, in order to know the feasibility of judging the performance of students.
Research Aim
The particular study will highlight the analysis of whether the primary schools of Curepipe should implement performance appraisal techniques or not.
The researcher has opted for the region of Mauritius so that the dependence of primary schools on using performance measure criteria can be judged.
Research Objectives
Based on the research aim, the research objectives can be helpful in explaining the further topics of research in better way. Therefore, the objective has been listed below:
- To assess the importance of measuring performance in primary schools in Curepipe
- To identify the techniques adopted by primary schools in measuring performance
- To analyze the role of performance measurement
- To recommend ways for improving student’s performance
Research Questions
The research question can be effective in conducting the research work in better structure.
- What is the importance of gauging performance in primary schools?
- What are the techniques implemented by primary schools of Curepipe for measuring student’s performance?
- What is the effect of performance measurement on students?
- What are the ways to enhance the performance of students?
Rationale of the Study
The particular research work has been chosen to understand the effect of performance measurement on students. The positive side of measuring performance is that the best students can be awarded, which can motivate them to perform at a higher level.
The growing competition among students to score higher ranks has made primary schools shift to performance measurement techniques. Testing, such as quarterly or yearly examinations, can help determine students’ capabilities.
On the other hand, the performance measurement can de-motivate some students as the students can generate feeling of ego against the students that is receiving higher ranks.
Therefore, it can decrease the performance level. Apart from that, students can fall into depression due to heavy pressure to gain higher percentages in exams (Dec.uwi.edu, 2014).
Literature Review
Introduction:
The current section of the research proposal will try to focus on structuring the groundwork of academic knowledge regarding primary schools and their dependence on measuring performance (Sidana, 2012).
The researcher will be highlighting various topics that better explains the nature of research work so that critical points can be understood.
Conceptual Framework
The conceptual framework will be helpful in dividing the number of topics based on theories and models so that topics can be effectively evaluated.
Figure 1: Conceptual Framework
(Source: Created by Author)
Measurement of Student’s Performance
As per Shu (2010), to measure the performance of students effectively, the general principle can be helpful for evaluating the performance level and the understanding level of students.
Figure 2: General Principle for measuring performance
(Source: )
Take Home Exams: According to Domke & Brebbia (2011), this method can be effective for weighing up the student’s performance that freezes up during the circumstances of in-class tests. The students can be able to select the question that need to be answer.
For instance, the students can be asked to do 4 questions out of 6. Apart from that, Zhang (2012) mentioned that take-home exams can take a longer time to evaluate in comparison to standard in-class exams, and students may cheat during in-class exams.
Multiple-Choice Exams: As per Chong & Hermreck (2012), multiple-choice tests can help determine students’ levels of grasping effortless and factual knowledge. This method makes it easy to evaluate students’ performance.
On the contrary, Akutsu (2010) discussed that teachers may not be able to present meaningful feedback to students and that students’ skills may not be assessed effectively.
Group Projects: The proficiency of the students can be enhanced, and their communication skills can be improved, which can help them in the future.
On the other hand, the large number of assignments can be comprehensively marked. However, Dynarski et al. (2011) proposed that conflict or tension can arise that can affect the completion of group project on time.
Presentations: According to Zarei et al. (2010), presentations can be effective in assessing the quality and behavior of students in front of the class, which can help improve their performance. On the other hand, Yousefi et al.
(2010) stated that forcing students to give presentations may not help them enhance their skills; instead, it can lower their morale.
Class Participations and Contribution: According to Yamamura (2012), the interactive skills of students can be developed that can help them to grasp knowledge from other students.
For instance, students can participate in games and paintings that can help them grow their skills. Sandy and Duncan (2010) also mentioned that if students notice that participation grades are arbitrary, they may not be interested in participating in various games or other sessions.
Effect of test on the Students and teachers
As per Bensoussan (2012), if the students score well in the examination, the dean of the schools appreciates the teachers. For example, the salary of teachers of Royal Kids Pre-primary Schools is hiked if the students under them perform well.
Therefore, it motivates the teachers to inject better learning among the students. On the other hands, it helps the school in getting large better students. Apart from that, Latas et al. (2010) mentioned that teachers can feel high pressure from the higher officials if the students are not performing as per the expectations.
Therefore, in that case, teachers can be sacked or their salaries may be deducted, which can decrease their confidence and motivation (Fcas.nova.edu, 2014).
On the other hand, Yamamura (2012) mentioned that the positive result from the test can motivate the students to give their best effort again next time too. The students that score higher marks can be praised by the teachers and by the family or peers too.
Therefore, it can boost up the performance level of the students. In addition, Saeidi & Khaliliaqdam (2013) stated that tests can help in analyzing whether the students are able to understand the knowledge that is imparted in the class.
Therefore, tests can help in segmenting the students on the basis of students who score high and those who score low. On the contrary, Bensoussan (2012) opined that scoring good grades puts pressure on students and affects their health of students. For instance, high-pressure tests can lead to depression or mental issues in students.
Research Methodology
According to Cameron (2009), research methodology can help the researcher in explaining the research work in better way on the basis of philosophy, approach and design.
The application of research methodology will be helpful in analyzing the approach of Curepipe’s primary schools in continuing with the testing procedure for assessing the students’ performance.
Research Philosophy: Post-Positivism
The post-positivism can be selected so that research work can be effectively cross checked and analyzed. As the researcher carries the study with an international background, positivist philosophy can be appropriate.
Research Approach: Deductive
The deductive approach would be referred to by the researcher so that existing models or theories can be used for analyzing the study. The researcher can focus on the complexity of using the tests for the student’s performance measurement. Therefore, deductive can be apt for effective analysis of research study.
Research Design: Descriptive
The researcher can choose a descriptive research design to explain the various topics in a deeper manner. Due to the tie constraints, the researcher can neglect an explanatory or exploratory design (Brannen, 2009).
Therefore, the researcher can focus on a descriptive approach to understanding the concept of the research study.
Data Collection Procedure: Primary
From the two sources of data, primary and secondary, the researcher can select primary data by conducting a survey among the primary schools in Curepipe.
Primary data can be helpful in gaining the real facts that can assist in analyzing the effect of the test on the student’s performance.
Data Techniques
The researcher can use quantitative data by surveying the students of primary schools. This technique can be effective in collecting the required data from the students for the purpose of research work.
On the other hand, the qualitative analysis can be selected by researcher by questioning the teachers and principals of the primary schools (Harrison & Reilly, 2011).
Sampling Technique: Probability
The researcher can decide on probability sampling so that a sample size can be selected from the total population. Thus, probability can help justify the research study in a more presentable form.
Sample Size
In order to analyze the study effectively, the researcher may choose 80 students as a sample size and 10 principals of primary schools of Curepipe.
Ethical Considerations
The code of ethics can be followed so that the right response can be generated from students and principals. The researcher has taken care that no external force is exerted on the students for participating in the survey. The researcher has avoided commercial data.
Research Limitations
The main limitations of research work can be the lack of budget and time. On the other hand, the researcher may find some difficulty in collecting information from students as they were least bothered about the survey.
Time Horizons
(Refer to Appendix 1)
Qualitative Analysis: Principals
1) What is the effect of test on the student’s performance?
2) Do students feel pressure due to exams?
3) What are the ways has been adopted to increase the knowledge level of students?
Conclusion:
The whole research study will focus on the effectiveness of taking the tests in the primary schools of Curepipe. The research aim and objective has been clearly mentioned upon which whole research is based on.
Thus, it helps in drawing the conceptual framework and adopting theories that can be helpful in conducting the research work.
The researcher has focused on different performance measurement tools to assess students’ capability. On the other hand, the research methodology has been cited based on philosophy, approach, and design.
The primary data has been taken so that exact information can be gathered and probability sampling has been adopted to choose the sample size.
In addition, for quantitative analysis the students of primary schools have been taken for knowing the affect of test on their performance and on their health.
On the other hand, the principals of 5 different primary schools of Curepipe have been selected to understand the techniques implemented in the school to calculate students’ performance.
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