A Professor of Tests and Measurements at Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere Ekiti, Oke Ajogbeje, has harped on the need to promote feedback literacy among teachers and students at all levels of education.
Prof. Ajogbeje said the absence of proper feedback has left many learners lost and teachers overwhelmed by systems stuck in outdated practices, and charged educational institutions to reposition feedback not just as an administrative task, but as the core of effective instruction.
The don, who spoke in his inaugural lecture titled, ‘Formative assessment and feedback: Looking backwards to look forward’ that he delivered at BOUESTI on Wednesday, advised that formative assessment be strengthened across all education levels.
He said, “Feedback and formative assessment are among the most effective drivers of learning. When feedback is specific, timely and actionable, it enables students to make meaningful progress. And when formative assessment is meaningfully integrated into teaching, it informs practice and strengthens instruction.
“In many Nigerian classrooms, formative assessment is still not sufficiently utilised, and when feedback is given, it is often vague, delayed or judgmental. With the right support, traditional classrooms can become environments rich in feedback,” he said.
The don said that feedback gives room for learners to engage, reflect, act and demonstrate improvement.
He called on policymakers, curriculum planners, teachers’ trainers/universities, school administrators, classroom teachers and students to play their different roles towards ensuring effective assessments and feedback in teaching and learning in the country.
The university teacher canvassed investment in continuous professional development in assessment and feedback and integration of appropriate educational technologies into classroom assessment.
Ajogbeje also urged the encouragement of self-assessment and peer assessment as standard practice, and the formulation of institutional policies that recognise feedback as fundamental to effective teaching.
He said, “Formative assessment and feedback are not isolated education activities but complementary processes that, when thoughtfully integrated, have the power to transform classrooms, empower learners and improve educational quality”.