The The Effects of Assessment as Learning (AaL) on ESL students’ Academic Performance and Motivation in the light of self-Regulated Learning (SRL) Theory

Abstract

This study intended to investigate the effects of Assessment as Learning (AaL) strategy on satisfaction of academic performance and motivational beliefs of ESL (English as Secondary Language) students of Public sector school. Using the quasi-experimental pre-post-test control group design, and assessment strategy recommended by Lee and Mak (2014), this study examined the effects of Assessment as Learning (AaL) on students’ studying ESL writing skills in Argumentative Essay. Through the convenience sampling technique, 60 ninth standard students were selected to participate in the study. Students' performance was analyzed with the help of Argumentative Essay Test and Motivation was investigated by using Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ). Both control and experimental groups were trained through traditional teaching ESL strategies; however, experimental group students practiced an additional intervention identified as "Assessment as Learning (AaL)" strategy. After seven weeks of study, both groups' performance and motivation were evaluated through post-tests. The data from pre-tests and post-tests were analysed by Independent Sample t-tests. The results demonstrated that the experiment group’s academic scores and motivation were significantly higher, thus the implementation of AaL practice is recommended to raise self-regulation and performance of students.