Abstract:
The main purpose of this study was to examine practices and challenges of CA implementation in public HLIs in eastern Ethiopia. To conduct this study, a descriptive survey research design was employed. A total of 357 respondents (219 students, 125 instructors, 3 college deans, 4 department heads, 3 QACL coordinators, and 3 AAQAD) were included in the study. Students and instructors were selected using stratified sampling and college deans, department heads and QACL coordinators were selected using purposive sampling whereas AAQAD selected through available sampling techniques. The data were gathered through a questionnaire and interview. Data gathered through questionnaires were analyzed using percentage, frequency, mean, combined mean, standard deviation, combined standard deviation, one-way ANOVAs, and stepwise regression. Data obtained through interviews and open-ended questionnaires were analyzed by narration and direct quotation of the respondent idea. The results of the study revealed that the practice of CA was at a low level. Most of the participants had a favourable perception towards CA. There was a statistically significant mean difference across the selected HLIs in the practices of CA. The study identified the instructors lack of using different assessment methods, using theoretical assessment for practical courses, large class size, cheating, dependency on other group members and lack of continuous follow up as major challenges of CA implementations under the study area.The implication is that CA as a means to improve students learning and academic achievement is not implemented in line with MoE students assessment guidelines. Thus, it is recommended that MoE assessment guideline should be reinforced, resource-related problems should be resolved by colleges, clear communication line among students, instructors and QACL coordinators should be set, follow up, monitoring and evaluation including awareness creation, training should be the guiding principles of CA under the study area. To get the intact image of the CA in the HLIs, further studies should be conducted in the future
