Researchers from the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education Science and Technology Development have urged the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec) to review its grading system for practical subjects to enable academically challenged but practically gifted pupils to pass.
The researchers urged Zimsec to consider awarding more marks for practical work so that academically challenged but practically gifted pupils can pass. This was said during the presentation of a research paper entitled: School-based assessment a panacea for low pass rate at ‘O’ Level in practical subjects recently at the fourth annual research and innovation conference hosted by the Bulawayo Polytechnic College in Nyanga under the theme: “Research based STEMitised Innovations: Solutions to revive Zimbabwe”. A researcher from Mutare Polytechnic, Mrs Chido Bvumisani said the current grading system by Zimsec does not focus on the practical skills. Said Bvumisai:
The assessment criterion currently in use fails to emphasise on assessment of soft skills which receive prominence in the new model. Subjects like, Computer Studies, Food and Nutrition and Fashion and Fabrics by their design, should experience the extensive assessment of psychomotor skills. Learners should be appraised on competences to be emphasised and developed during the practicum. Teachers should be motivated and staff developed so as to implement the new model effectively and soft skills should be taken into consideration. The study strongly recommends that Zimsec should use formative assessment to capture the splendid performance done by academic challenged pupils. This will turn the Us into As hence education will find meaning for them.
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