The Role of Assessment Strategies In Enhancing Learner Performance and Employability at Awil College: A Case Study Of Private Tertiary Educational Institutions In Botswana

Effective assessments are critical in enhancing learner performance and employability. This study

was meant to explore the role of selected assessment strategies in enhancing the performance and

employability of the learners of AWIL College in Gaborone, Botswana. The study focused on four

assessment strategies namely formative assessment, summative assessment, criterion-referenced

assessment, and work-integrated assessment strategies. The study adopted the positivist research

paradigm and the survey research design with the quantitative research methodology being used to

collect data through a structured, self- administered questionnaire. Data was collected from a

population of 450 AWIL College students from which a sample of 140 respondents was chosen

through the random sampling strategy. From the 140 questionnaires that were distributed, 107 were

completed and returned culminating in a 76% response rate. Data was analysed through the

Statistical Package for Social Sciences software and was presented through figures, tables, and

descriptive and inferential statistics such as the mean, standard deviation, correlation analysis,

regression analysis and analysis of variance. The reliability of the study was tested through the

Cronbach Alpha internal consistency reliability test while validity was established through factor

analysis. The results of the study revealed that to some extent, the respondents felt that they gained

performance and employment skills through assessments; assessments exposed them to real world

scenarios and provided learners with transferrable skills that enhanced their employability.

However, to a lesser extent, assessments replicated real world challenges; internship improved the

learners‘ thinking capacity and problem-solving skills; assessments determined whether the goals of

education were satisfied. Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that the institution

should have clear assessment strategies that are in alignment with individual learner performance

and employability goals so that sustainable learner performance and employability can be attained.