Benefits of School-Based Assessment in the Learning of Social Studies

Abstract

In 2007, the Ghanaian government proposed the implementation of School-Based Assessment (SBA) in all pre-tertiary education institutions to replace continuous assessment. However, no research has yet been conducted in the Biakoye District to examine the benefits of SBA in the teaching and learning of Social Studies. This study investigated the benefits of SBA as an innovation in the Ghanaian educational system for Social Studies education. A descriptive survey design was employed, and 40 Social Studies teachers from the Biakoye District were purposively selected as participants. Findings revealed that, although the majority of teachers had never attended workshops on the use of SBA, they still implemented it in assessing students. The teachers also indicated that SBA provides several benefits for the teaching and learning of Social Studies. The study recommends that workshops be organized to equip teachers with the necessary skills for effective SBA implementation.