The use of formative assessment techniques in Malay language classroom in Primary One: A case study

A proper and effective implementation of formative assesment techniques in the classroom will help to improve students learning. Oral questioning, exercises, ’seatworks’, quizzes, discussions, projects, assignments and homeworks are among the common formative assessment techniques applied by teachers during the teaching and learning process. This paper reports the findings of a qualitative study undertaken to identify the formative assessment techniques used by a teacher during the teching and learning process in a Malay Language classroom. A case study design was used, and the study was conducted in one School Based Assessment ’showcase’ primary school in Penang. A Malay Language teacher participated in the study. Data was obtained through an observation and an interview. The finding was discussed according to the use of formative assessment techniques in the teaching and learning process. The study showed that the teacher adopted a variety of assessment techniques to improve the students learning and help them achieve the learning objectives. The study also noted the teacher’s use of different techniques which are functionally complimentary to one another to suit different purposes. Using various formative assessment techniques is important to enable teachers to make correct decisions based on the students capacity, capability and skills. Using various assessment techniques also helps to ensure high validity of the constructs measured. As a whole, the finding of the study significantly demonstrates how formative assessment can be effectively implemented as part of the teaching and learning process in a Malay Language classroom.