Lecturers’ Perception on the Effectiveness of Continuous Summative Assessment on Evaluating Grammar Skills among Undergraduates

Abstract

Grammar can be classified as the most prominent element in the context of English Language. However, grammar has always been a problem among undergraduates. Although they are given a sufficient amount of input during schooling days, they stillface problems in using them. This is wholly because grammar instructions are not done in a continuous manner during their tertiary education. Many lecturers find it difficult in making sure undergraduates are able to utilize grammar in a propermanner regardless of assignments or presentations as English based subjects in tertiary education are only offered till the end of their first year. It is proposed that summative assessment should be conducted throughout the duration of study in their tertiary institution. This paper highlights the findings from an interview among 5 English lecturers who are currently serving in various private tertiary institutions. All respondents have 5 to 10 years of teaching experience in this field. The categories for the interview questions were built based on lecturers’ understanding on summative assessment and the needs in understanding grammar in using English. The findings indicate that lecturers are keen in having continuous summative assessments in evaluating grammar skills among undergraduates throughout their tertiary education.