Overview
Identification
Country or Region
MalawiTitle
Monitoring Learning Achievement
Study Type
National student assessment
Summary
Abstract
The Monitoring Learning Achievement (MLA) is administered by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology to grade 2, grade 4 and grade 7 (ISCED 1) students in public schools. It was administered for the first time in 2012, and is planned to be run every three years.
The MLA is a low-stake assessment. It is a written assessment, administered face-to-face and delivered through paper-pencil tests. Test-takers are presented with booklets based on different learning objectives.
The MLA serves the following purposes:
- supporting teachers (training, relevant materials, etc.)
- school or educator accountability
- sub-national level monitoring of learning outcomes
- monitoring education quality levels
- planning education policy reforms
Kind of Data
Census (all students at the given grades or ages)
Units of Analysis
Results are reported at the school, sub-national and national levels.
Results are published in reports, which are available in print and online. Results are broadcasted on the radio and on television.
Scope
Notes
The MLA comprises three mandatory subjects. The subjects and the duration of each test are listed below:
- Mathematics, 120 minutes
- Chichewa language, 90 minutes
- English language, 90 minutes
Description of test items: Test items consist of multiple choice questions with three or more response options and open-ended questions requiring short constructed responses.
Description of stimuli: Test stimuli consist of mixed texts.
Reporting metrics: Student performance is reported by average score. The minimum requirement to meet the national standard is a score of 40%.
Coverage
Geographic Coverage
National
Universe
Students enrolled in grade 2, grade 4 and grade 7 (ISCED 1) in public schools.
Producers and Sponsors
Primary Investigator(s)
| Name | Affiliation |
|---|
|
Ministry of Education, Science and Technology
| Government |
Other Producer(s)
| Name | Affiliation | Role |
|---|
|
Ministry of Education, Science and Technology
| Government | Test development and administration; data processing and dissemination; programme development |
|
Malawi National examinations Board
| Government | Test development and administration; data processing |
|
National non-governmental organization
| N/A | Test administration |
|
UNICEF
| N/A | Financial support through grants and donations |
Metadata Production
Metadata Produced By
| Name | Abbreviation | Affiliation | Role |
|---|
| Malawi National Examinations Board | MANEB | Government | Data collection |
| UNESCO Institute for Statistics | UIS | United Nations | Questionnaire design, metadata collection, review and publication |
Date of Metadata Production
2014
DDI Document ID
MWI-MLA-2012
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