Assessing Students’ Learning Outcomes in the Saudi Education System from the Perspective of Various Stakeholders

Abstract

Assessing students’ learning outcomes is a significant part of the education system. This study investigated the perspective of a new policy that focuses on assessing students’ learning outcomes. The method of implementation and the impact of the new policy were discussed. As this study was exploratory in nature, a qualitative research approach was applied, which allowed for the compilation of rich data through document analysis and semi-structured interviews. This study recruited 13 participants, including five supervisors, six head teachers, and two deputies. Results revealed the following: (1) a wide gap between the policy and actual practice; (2) limited involvement of the school community; (3) supervisors’ examinations suffered from poor quality; (4) positive and negative impacts related to teaching and learning outcomes; and (5) several obstacles that needed to be resolved. Finally, this paper provides numerous recommendations to develop the process of assessing students’ learning outcomes.

Received: 14 March 2022 / Accepted: 11 April 2022 / Published: 5 May 2022