Thirty Years of Literacies Testing at the University of Cape Town

A Critical Reflection on the Work and its Impact
Erscheinungsjahr 2025
ISBN: 978-3-031-58681-1
Verlag: Springer Nature Switzerland

Buch, Englisch, 161 Seiten, Format (B × H): 155 mm x 235 mm, Gewicht: 295 g

This book delves into extensive research regarding the identification and characterization of academic literacies constructs, encompassing academic literacy, quantitative literacy, mathematics comprehension, and reasoning skills, with a specific focus on their relevance within South African educational contexts. The volume provides an in-depth exploration of the research behind the design and creation of assessments aimed at gauging these crucial literacies. It also delves into theoretical aspects of developmental work while shedding light on historical and contemporary inequalities in the South African educational landscape.

Emphasising the practical implications of this research, the book underscores the pivotal role that assessing academic literacies can play in the equitable selection of students, particularly those hailing from educationally disadvantaged backgrounds. Additionally, it highlights how such assessments can inform higher education responsiveness, curriculum development, programme implementation, and the provision of support services for students, ultimately aiding in informed student placement decisions.

Zielgruppe

Research

Autoren/Hrsg.

Cliff, Alan

Fachgebiete

• Geisteswissenschaften Sprachwissenschaft Alphabetisierung
• Sozialwissenschaften Pädagogik Schulen, Schulleitung Universitäten, Hochschulen
• Sozialwissenschaften Pädagogik Pädagogik Bildungssystem Prüfungen und Beurteilungen

Inhaltsverzeichnis

1. Introduction and context setting.- 2. A quest for theoretical underpinnings.- 3. Test design, development, and results interpretation–the tests themselves.- 4. Research on assessment of academic literacies–what do the empirical data say.- 5. Conclusions–a critical review of the contributions of UCT-led literacies testing over three decades.- 6. A way forward–academic literacies assessment and its roles in educational and higher education systems development.

Über Autor(innen)

Alan Cliff is Professor Emeritus of Higher Education Studies in the Centre for Higher Education Development (CHED) at the University of Cape Town, South Africa. He served as Interim Dean of the faculty from September 2018 to March 2022. Alan obtained his BA, BEd (with distinction) and MEd (with distinction) from UCT and his PhD from the University of Auckland. His current research interests are in the use of theories and principles of Dynamic Assessment to facilitate student learning; and in the processes of staff development as ‘literacies practices’ and induction into professional learning communities.