Exploring the Role of Assessment in Shaping Secondary Student-teacher Professionals in Limpopo Province
Thivhavhudzi Muriel Badugela 
Issue: Vol.6 No.2 Issue Article 13 pp. 201-216
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.20256213 | Published online 21st February, 2025
© 2025 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
This qualitative research explored the intricate interplay between assessment practices and professional identity formation among student teachers. Professional identity, a multifaceted construct, is examined in the context of teacher education, focusing on unravelling the specific influence of assessment methods. Employing a qualitative approach through in-depth interviews, this study collected comprehensive data from a diverse cohort of student teachers in secondary schools in Limpopo Province. The research sought to identify how formative and summative assessments, feedback mechanisms, and evaluative criteria shape student teachers’ perceptions of themselves as emerging educators. By exploring the impact of assessment on key components of professional identity, including pedagogical beliefs, self-efficacy, and commitment to lifelong learning, the study provides nuanced insights into educational practices that deeply influence the identity formation process. Furthermore, the research explored the potential tension between standardised assessment practices and the individualised nature of teacher identity development. Perspectives from student teachers and mentors were central to elucidating the role of feedback and assessment in fostering a sense of belonging and efficacy within the professional teaching community. The findings will contribute significantly to the qualitative understanding of teacher education and assessment practices, offering valuable recommendations for refining evaluation methods that align with the holistic development of student teachers’ professional identities. The implications of this qualitative study extended beyond academia by providing insights to inform policy and practice and supporting the next generation of educators on their path to becoming proficient and reflective professionals.
Keywords – Assessment, Professional Identity, Student Teachers, Teacher Education
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Dr. Thivhavhudzi Muriel Badugela
Since joining the University of Venda, Muriel has lectured on the Sociology of Education and Curriculum studies. Muriel attended National and international conferences, presenting papers. Muriel published book chapters and papers in peer-reviewed journals. Before joining the university, she taught at a secondary school for 28 years and worked as a Principal at Tshiluwi Primary School. Since 2018, Muriel has been a Lecturer and researcher at the Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education. Qualifications: STD-Makhado, B.A-Unisa, Bed Hons-Northwest, Med- Curriculum Studies Unisa, ACE- English, Technology Education -Unisa, Travel &Tourism -SACTE; PhD-African studies _Univen.
Badugela, Thivhavhudzi Muriel. “Exploring the Role of Assessment in Shaping Secondary Student-teacher Professionals in Limpopo Province ,” E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences 6, no.2 (2025): 201 – 216. https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.20256213
© 2025 The Author(s). Published and Maintained by Noyam Journals. This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
