Teachers’ Perceptions of the Utilization of Alternative Assessment in the Virtual Classroom in Trinidad and Tobago

Abstract

This study sought to investigate teachers’ perceptions about the use of alternative assessment in the virtual classroom. The population selected for this cross-sectional survey was teachers from five (5) schools in Trinidad and Tobago. Purposeful sampling was used to select the participants and the instrument used was a questionnaire comprising closed and open-ended items. The findings revealed that teachers are aware of alternative assessment and they utilized some alternative assessment strategies during the pandemic. Teachers acknowledged the need for them to develop additional competencies and be provided with the necessary resources to effectively utilize alternative assessment. They suggested that more professional development workshops should be conducted in schools and that teacher training institutions consider revising their approach to the teaching of student assessment. Further research should be conducted to determine if alternative assessment is being used as face-to-face/in person teaching has resumed.