Transforming selection of literature set-works markers through technology

Abstract

English First Additional Language is a gateway subject as well as a language of learning and teaching to most learners in South Africa. It is marked externally in final National Senior Certificate examination. Manual methods are used to select markers in this examination in some provinces in South Africa. It is assumed that subjectivity, unfairness and lack of transparency can prevail during selection processes. This constructivist study analyses secondary documents on the current marker selection and appointment methods in NSC examination, identifies challenges and recommends computer testing model for selection and appointment of markers in English First Additional Language with special reference to Literature set-works Paper. It thus promotes motivation to use Information and Communications Technologies, reliability in marking, cost effectiveness, transparency, fairness and self-efficacy. Sufficient literature recorded loopholes in marking of National Senior Certificate Examination, but studies on the selection of competent Literature markers is scanty. Undergirded by self-efficacy theory, this study employed the qualitative research approach, to analyse the selection and appointment processes in National Senior Certificate examination, towards the development of a constructivist way to using computers in application for marking