Rethinking Language and Assessment in a Higher Education Institution: A 21st Century Perspective

Shanta Balgobind-Singh

Jump to Content

Chapter 12 Rethinking Language and Assessment in a Higher Education Institution

A 21st Century Perspective

In: Transforming Teaching and Learning Experiences for Helping Professions in Higher Education

Author:

Shanta Balgobind-Singh

Shanta Balgobind-Singh
Search for other papers by Shanta Balgobind-Singh in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed

Type:: Chapter

Pages:: 211–226

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004540811_013

Purchase instant access (PDF download and unlimited online access):

€42.00€35.00 excl. VAT

Add to Cart

Redeem Access Token

Abstract

Rethinking teaching and learning strategies is an integral component of the decolonisation process embarked upon in many South African tertiary institutions. At the University of KwaZulu-Natal an increased number of students come from educationally disadvantaged high schools. For many of these students English is a second language, yet they are expected to complete their academic discourse in English. Through formal and informal conversations with academics, it is noted that a fundamental problem experienced by academic staff at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, is the use of the English language in assessing various aspects of academic work, including hand-in work, tests, assignments and examinations. In this research, the author will illustrate that the issue of assessment is complex and that the language problem affects both staff and students across the various disciplines. A qualitative paradigm was used which included a total of one hundred questionnaires being given to students and staff in the Discipline of Criminology and Forensic Studies. Sixty questionnaires were returned. Although there is a move towards incorporating bilingual lectures and tutorials where possible in many disciplines in order to transform the classroom experience, this has not been achieved across all levels and in many disciplines. This research aims to identify and analyse the influence of language on the assessment of students’ work by academic staff. Furthermore, it contemplates the challenges experienced by students themselves. It is imperative to support students in achieving their full potential and respecting the diversity of groups in order to ensure better inclusiveness in the higher education institution.

Citation Info

Save
Cite
Email this content

Share link with colleague or librarian

You can email a link to this page to a colleague or librarian:
Email this content
or copy the link directly:

https://brill.edhh.ma/abstract/book/9789004540811/BP000025.xml
The link was not copied. Your current browser may not support copying via this button.

Link copied successfully

Collapse
Expand

Transforming Teaching and Learning Experiences for Helping Professions in Higher Education

Global Perspectives

Series: African Higher Education: Developments and Perspectives, Volume: 13

Cover Transforming Teaching and Learning Experiences for Helping Professions in Higher Education

E-Book ISBN:: 9789004540811

Publisher:: Brill

Print Publication Date:: 16 Feb 2023

Subjects
- Education
  - General
  - Higher Education

Front Matter

Back Matter

Metrics

	All Time	Past 365 days	Past 30 Days
Abstract Views	306	34	3
Full Text Views	8	1	0
PDF Views & Downloads	6	0	0

African Studies	Education	Media Studies
American Studies	History	Middle East and Islamic Studies
Ancient Near East and Egypt	Human Rights and Humanitarian Law	Musicology
Art History	International Law	Philosophy
Asian Studies	International Relations	Religious Studies
Biblical Studies	Jewish Studies	Slavic and Eurasian Studies
Biology	Languages and Linguistics	Social Sciences
Book History and Cartography	Life Sciences	Theology and World Christianity
Classical Studies	Literature and Cultural Studies

Subjects

Authors

Open Access

Product Information

Company

Contact

Chapter 12 Rethinking Language and Assessment in a Higher Education Institution

A 21st Century Perspective

Abstract

Citation Info

Share link with colleague or librarian

Transforming Teaching and Learning Experiences for Helping Professions in Higher Education

Global Perspectives

Table of Contents

Metrics

Metrics