Umalusi has sounded the alarm on the declining high quality of TVET examinations, revealing that almost a 3rd of the query papers used within the November 2024 examination cycle have been marred by grammatical errors.
The standard assurance physique additionally reported a major drop within the variety of papers assembly acceptable requirements, with solely 77% passing preliminary moderation, a pointy decline from 87% the earlier 12 months.
The report, which covers the Nationwide Certificates (Vocational) [NC(V)] and NATED Report 190/191 Engineering Research {qualifications}, discovered that 46 query papers contained grammar and language points. These included “complicated and awkward phrasing,” “incorrect use of terminology,” and situations the place “directions to candidates have been incomplete, unclear, or not in accordance with DHET specs.”
Umalusi additionally raised concern over misalignment between query problem, time allocation, and mark distribution. In some instances, candidates have been unable to finish papers inside the allotted time, whereas others completed too early as a result of underdeveloped content material.
Including to those issues, the report highlights widespread issues with Inside Steady Evaluation (ICASS) duties. A complete of 43% of sampled lecturer portfolios have been lacking a number of required parts, together with lesson plans, activity memoranda, or learner suggestions information. At King Hintsa TVET School, no evaluation documentation was submitted in any respect.
“This degree of non-compliance compromises the credibility of the evaluation course of,” the report notes. “The failure to fulfill the minimal necessities of the ICASS tips displays poor planning and oversight at institutional degree.”
Within the sensible evaluation part (ISAT and PAT), useful resource constraints continued to cripple efficiency. Umalusi reported that in a single case, a lecturer had to make use of his private car as a coaching instrument because of the absence of correct gear, and that some workshops operated with out electrical energy.
“These persistent challenges elevate severe questions concerning the readiness of some faculties to supply credible vocational coaching,” the report said.
In the meantime, marking processes additionally confirmed indicators of pressure. The DHET submitted 20 requests for marking concessions, greater than in 2023, however Umalusi rejected 9 of them. The report indicated that a number of concession functions failed to fulfill primary standards, citing issues over the expertise and {qualifications} of proposed markers.
Personal faculties have been once more highlighted as repeat offenders in examination irregularities. Umalusi famous unresolved instances from earlier cycles, with some non-public websites exhibiting “no important enchancment.” The physique has instructed the DHET to dam outcomes for implicated centres and candidates pending investigation.
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