The Reality of Alternative Assessment for Teachers of the First Cycle of the Basic Education in the Sultanate of Oman: Use, Self-Efficacy, and Attitude

Abstract

This study aims at identifying the reality of alternative assessment for teachers of the first cycle of the basic education in the Sultanate of Oman with respect to the degree of teachers' use of alternative assessment strategies, level of self-efficacy for alternative assessment strategies, and attitude towards alternative assessment, and their relationship with other variables. To achieve the aims of the study, a descriptive research approach was utilized. A 5-point self-rated questionnaire was developed. It consists of three sections: Actual use of alternative assessment strategies (21 items), self-efficacy for alternative assessment strategies (21 items), and attitude towards alternative assessment (27 items). The psychometric properties of the questionnaire were examined in terms of validity and reliability. The questionnaire was administered to a sample of (392) teachers teaching grades (1-4) of the first cycle of the basic education from three governorates (Muscat, Batinah North, and Batinah South) in the Sultanate of Oman. Results showed that teachers' use of alternative assessment strategies was high, their level of self-efficacy for alternative assessment strategies was high, and their attitude towards alternative assessment was positive. Also, there were statistically significant differences among teachers in using alternative assessment strategies, level of self-efficacy for alternative assessment strategies, and attitude towards alternative assessment attributed to specialization and training in alternative assessment. However, there were no statistically significant differences among teachers in using alternative assessment strategies, level of self-efficacy for alternative assessment strategies, and attitude towards alternative assessment attributed to years of teaching experience, teaching quorum, and teaching load. The researcher recommends conducting workshops on alternative assessment for the teachers and more research in the area of alternative assessment