The effects of assessment on design and technology students at Form 1 and 2

Abstract

This study was stimulated by the dropout rate of Design and Technology students after the first two years of secondary schooling. The main objectives of this study are to identify whether aspects of assessment are influencing pupils' performance and contributing to the dropout rate, as well as to look into the affect of assessment in other areas of D&T to find out whether this is a de-motivating factor. Data was collected through qualitative questionnaires and interviews, which were carried out concurrently with a sample of twenty-five secondary teachers. Throughout the research, teachers were asked to provide insights about the ways they go about assessment, annual examinations and the syllabus. Teachers discussed about the benefits and burdens of assessment, annual examination, and the syllabus. While noticing several aspects about teachers' understanding of assessment and the subject itself, it was concluded that the achieved poor results are not the main reason for the discouragement of pupils. However as teachers pointed out, other factors, such as dislike for particular areas and the option system, are contributing to the dropout rate in D&T studies.