An investigation into the criteria used in assessing professional studies in teacher education at Mkoba Teachers' College in Zimbabwe

Abstract

Mkoba Teachers College is one of thirteen Primary school Teachers Colleges in Zimbabwe offering a University of Zimbabwe Diploma in Education programme comprising Theory of Education, Academic Studies, and Professional Studies. This study sought to investigate the validity of current assessment procedures in Professional Studies. Results of the study revealed historical influences upon assessment procedures at Mkoba. Over the years assessment has been by way of two course work assignments in Syllabus B, an end-of-year examination in Syllabus A, and a research of limited scope. The study tended to indicate the need to amplify the scope of assessment procedures beyond the two course work assignments, the end-of-year examination and the research of limited scope. Despite these indications, an analysis of certification results at Mkoba for the period 1976 to 1996 showed that 5955 good quality professionals were produced. The study thus declares assessment procedures at Mkoba Teachers College valid.