Indonesian junior secondary school teachers' conceptions of assessment: A mixed methods study

Abstract

Understanding teachers’ conceptions of assessment is important because of their influence on teachers’ assessment practices. Despite numerous quantitative studies on teachers’ conceptions and practices of assessment, little research exists regarding the unique assessment environment of Indonesia. This study uses both quantitative and qualitative data to examine how Indonesian junior high school teachers understand assessment, how their conceptions of assessment relate to their assessment practices, and what factors contribute to their conceptions and practices of assessment.

This mixed methods study adopted a participant selection model in which quantitative data was analysed to select participants for the qualitative phase. A validated measure of teacher conceptions of assessment was adapted for use in the quantitative phase to explore teacher (N=107) conceptions of whether they thought assessment was for improvement, accountability or whether it was irrelevant. These three criteria were used to select twelve Indonesian teachers for semi-structured interviews and to contribute documents for analysis in the qualitative phase.

The Indonesian teachers believed that the purpose of assessment was to improve teaching and learning and also to demonstrate the accountability of students and school. They tended to disagree with the view that assessment is irrelevant. Further analysis of the data revealed that teachers’ conceptions of assessment were conflicted. They were keen to use assessment practices to improve their classroom teaching, but felt that the state-wide examination policy requirements constrained their efforts. These distinctive and conflicting conceptions of assessment held by Indonesian teachers appeared to arise from the interplay of socio-ecological factors including culture and the Indonesian education system.

Conceptions of assessment are unique to every setting. These findings highlight that valid measurement of teacher conceptions is likely to require national and regional accommodations based on contextual factors. Furthermore, government, policy makers, and curriculum developers must work to build a strong synergy among themselves in order to share consistent goals with teachers. If cultural expectations of school assessment and government policy were aligned, Indonesian teachers may be better able to resolve conflict between their beliefs and assessment practices.