Implementation of Continuous Assessment System at Elementary School Level: A Follow Up Study

Abstract

Achieving UPE is a dream for Pakistan because of different reasons from one is students drop out.  This drop out is because of two reasons the learning gaps and learning difficulties. To overcome this, Continuous Assessment System (CAS) was introduced at elementary schools; which was continued for one year and then was shifted to summative assessment. To identify the reasons; this study was conducted. The objectives of the study were to: investigate district-wise and gender-wise difference in opinion of teachers and students about the implementation of CAS, identify the strength and weakness of CAS, find out methods used for students’ assessment and investigate reasons of discontinuing CAS at schools. Population was all the teachers and their students working in elementary schools of district Attock and Chakwal.  Random sampling technique was used for sample selection. Likert scale and semi open-ended questions were used to collect data from teachers and students. Collected data were analyzed by t-test, frequency and percentages. Findings showed significant difference exists in the opinion of teachers and students. The teachers from Chakwal have positive attitude in implementing CAS similarly male teacher were more inclined to implement CAS. Further students from Chakwal district have more awareness about CAS as compared to students from Attock district and female students have broader view about implementation of CAS in schools. Teachers reported different reasons for liking CAS. CAS was discontinued because of non-cooperative behavior of parent and careless attitude of students towards their studies. Keeping in view the findings it is recommended that CAS may be continued with some modification.

      Keywords: students’ assessment, continuous assessment, elementary schools