Abstract:
Effective assessments are critical in enhancing learner performance and employability. This study
was meant to explore the role of selected assessment strategies in enhancing the performance and
employability of the learners of AWIL College in Gaborone, Botswana. The study focused on four
assessment strategies namely formative assessment, summative assessment, criterion-referenced
assessment, and work-integrated assessment strategies. The study adopted the positivist research
paradigm and the survey research design with the quantitative research methodology being used to
collect data through a structured, self- administered questionnaire. Data was collected from a
population of 450 AWIL College students from which a sample of 140 respondents was chosen
through the random sampling strategy. From the 140 questionnaires that were distributed, 107 were
completed and returned culminating in a 76% response rate. Data was analysed through the
Statistical Package for Social Sciences software and was presented through figures, tables, and
descriptive and inferential statistics such as the mean, standard deviation, correlation analysis,
regression analysis and analysis of variance. The reliability of the study was tested through the
Cronbach Alpha internal consistency reliability test while validity was established through factor
analysis. The results of the study revealed that to some extent, the respondents felt that they gained
performance and employment skills through assessments; assessments exposed them to real world
scenarios and provided learners with transferrable skills that enhanced their employability.
However, to a lesser extent, assessments replicated real world challenges; internship improved the
learners‘ thinking capacity and problem-solving skills; assessments determined whether the goals of
education were satisfied. Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that the institution
should have clear assessment strategies that are in alignment with individual learner performance
and employability goals so that sustainable learner performance and employability can be attained.
