A Professor of Tests and Measurements at Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere Ekiti, Oke Ajogbeje, has emphasized the need to promote feedback literacy among teachers and students at all levels of education in Nigeria. He believes that the absence of proper feedback has led to many learners feeling lost and teachers being overwhelmed by outdated practices.
Prof. Ajogbeje delivered his inaugural lecture titled, ‘Formative assessment and feedback: Looking backwards to look forward’ at BOUESTI, where he stressed that feedback and formative assessment are crucial drivers of learning. He noted that when feedback is specific, timely, and actionable, it enables students to make meaningful progress, and when formative assessment is integrated into teaching, it informs practice and strengthens instruction.
However, Prof. Ajogbeje observed that in many Nigerian classrooms, formative assessment is not sufficiently utilized, and when feedback is given, it is often vague, delayed, or judgmental. He suggested that with the right support, traditional classrooms can become environments rich in feedback, enabling learners to engage, reflect, act, and demonstrate improvement.
The don called on policymakers, curriculum planners, teachers’ trainers/universities, school administrators, classroom teachers, and students to play their roles in ensuring effective assessments and feedback in teaching and learning. He advocated for investment in continuous professional development in assessment and feedback, as well as the integration of educational technologies into classroom assessment.
Prof. Ajogbeje also recommended the encouragement of self-assessment and peer assessment as standard practice and the formulation of institutional policies that recognize feedback as fundamental to effective teaching. He believes that formative assessment and feedback are complementary processes that can transform classrooms, empower learners, and improve educational quality when thoughtfully integrated.
The professor's suggestions aim to address the challenges facing the education sector in Nigeria, where many students and teachers struggle with outdated practices. By promoting feedback literacy, Prof. Ajogbeje hopes to improve learning outcomes and enhance the overall quality of education in the country.
The call for improved feedback literacy has significant implications for the education sector in Nigeria, and stakeholders will be watching to see how his recommendations are received and implemented.
Key points
- The professor emphasized that feedback and formative assessment are crucial drivers of learning.
- He suggested that traditional classrooms can become environments rich in feedback with the right support.
- Prof. Ajogbeje called on stakeholders to play their roles in ensuring effective assessments and feedback in teaching and learning.
