Towards a Theory of Formative Assessment in Online Higher Education

Introduction

In an attempt to conceptually generalize the findings a recent collective case (broader) study (Gikandi, 2012), two congruent theories have been identified to provide basis to advance a relevant theoretical framework in the context of online higher education. The individual case studies have already been published in a series of journal papers (Gikandi, 2013; Gikandi & Mackey, 2013; Gikandi, & Morrow, in press). The theoretical framework developed and presented in this chapter therefore aims to uncover the broader and deeper conceptual meanings of the findings, and link the key outcomes of the recent study to the existing knowledge.

The chapter starts with a brief review of the identified theories. Secondly, review of the key findings of the recent study is presented. The discussion that follows seeks to elucidate a theoretical framework that can guide assessment of situated and authentic learning with a particular focus on online formative assessment. Lastly, conclusions are offered.

As identified in Gikandi, Morrow and Davis (2011), previous studies did not explicate all relevant aspects of formative assessment which amplifies the purpose of this chapter. The collective case study (Gikandi, 2012) conceptualized online formative assessment from a more holistic pedagogical strategy purposefully incorporating diverse elements. Investigating application of formative assessment in Gikandi (2012) focused on exploring multifaceted elements including provision of a variety of authentic assessment activities which were embedded within the learning processes to engage the students within the online discourse and real-life contexts.

Developing a theoretical framework through this chapter is an attempt to coherently unify the diverse elements and techniques evidenced in the recent collective case study from the perspective of authentic learning. More importantly, the recent findings by Gikandi (2012) reveal some relationships with the identified previous empirical studies in ways that indicate that the findings confirm previous research. Notably, these relationships also reinforce the theoretical framework presented in this chapter.