Demystifying the functionality of group-work assessment practices on students’ active learning in English as a school subject: a case of secondary schools in same district, Tanzania

The study aimed to demystify the functionality of Group-work Assessment practices on students’ active learning in English in public secondary schools in the Same district, Tanzania. The study adopted a mixed-methods approach with a convergent research design. The target population for this study was District Educational Quality Assurance Officers, teachers of English language subjects, heads of language departments and form three students. Stratified random and purposive sampling procedures were employed to obtain a sample of 402 respondents. Data for the study were gathered using interview guides and questionnaires. Qualitative data from the interview guides were analyzed thematically by transcribing material, coding it and creating themes based on the study questions. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics in the form of percentages, frequencies, and mean scores. The researcher adhered to research ethics, such as regards anonymity and confidentiality. The study found that teachers of English use group work assessment to a great extent, whereby group work presentations were mostly used by teachers. It was also revealed that teachers of English use group problem-solving activities during the assessment process to a great extent; hence, active learning is enhanced. Moreover, teachers of English were found to use students’ group debates in the assessment process to a moderate extent. The study concludes that group work presentations were used by most teachers of the English language to enhance active learning. It was recommended to teachers of English language to change their mindset and be open-minded to embracing various authentic assessment practices in enhancing active learning.