The Multiple Uses of Assessment Methods in 4th and 5th Grades and the Competency Levels of Teachers

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine 4 th and 5 th grade elementary level teachers’ competency levels in using traditional and alternative assessment approaches in a way to understand at which level they use these tools in the assessment process. Qualitative research methods were used through interviews carried out with twenty teachers. The teachers were chosen purposefully according to maximum sampling method. Nvivo2 qualitative data analysis program was used to analyze the data. The findings of the study revealed that the 4 th and 5 th grade teachers consider themselves competent in using traditional assessment approaches. However, they are not competent enough and they have problems in using the new assessment approaches. Besides this, it is ascertained that less than half of the teachers use these tools in the assessment process with a multiple perspective.