Assessment and Evaluation Practices in Selected Private Kindergartens in Adwa Town

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the practice of assessment and evaluation methods of kindergarten children in some selected private kindergartens of Adwa town. To this end, descriptive survey method was employed. Out of 25 private KGs in the town, six KGs were selected through simple random sampling method and convenience sampling was used to select the kindergarten teachers, principals of kindergarten centres, woreda education office expert, and kindergarten children at different preschool centres. The sample sizes were 163 kindergarten teachers, 60 kindergarten teachers, 6 kindergarten principals and one worse education expert. The study employed questionnaire, observation, interview, and document analysis as data gathering tools. Questionnaire and interview were applied to gather data from the kindergarten teacher, principals and woreda education office experts. Pilot test was conducted in ten kindergarten teachers and the reliability of the instrument (questionnaire) was computed using Cronbach’s alpha. Accordingly, the result was 0.77 Cronbach’s alpha. Then, quantitative data were analysed using percentage and the qualitative data were analysed through thematic analysis to triangulate the data obtained through quantitative methods. Findings made clear that almost all (90%) of the respondents have an understanding of evaluation methods and teacher made tests, observations; portfolios and play based assessments are the common methods of evaluations practiced in the Kindergartens. However, challenges like lack of professional training and support, lack of skills, lack of parental involvement, and lack of evaluation resources affect the appropriateness of the assessment and evaluation methods in the Kindergartens. Based on the results of the study and conclusions made, it was recommended that practicing multiple assessment and evaluation methods, implementing formative assessments, giving professional training on assessment and evaluation, parental participation, are the possible solutions to these factors. Regional Bureau of Education, Woreda Education Office, pre-school owners, pre-school teachers and parents should give attention to solve the problems.