ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION IN MUSIC EXAMINATIONS IN NIGERIAN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS: A DISCOURSE

Abstract

Evaluation is known to involve assessment and judgement about a student's performance in a program of studies. It also determines to what extent the objective of a program is being achieved. This paper explores the current music assessment and evaluation practices in Nigerian tertiary institutions. It examines the factors affecting validity, reliability, objectivity, and consistency of assessment and evaluation in music examinations in these institutions. It equally collated and reviewed the assessment sheets (scoring criteria) for practical examinations in fourteen Nigerian tertiary institutions (seven universities, six colleges of education, and one polytechnic) from four geo-political zones in Nigeria where music is offered. This research used an observation schedule, an online interview and a library search to source its information. The study discovered that there is no uniform practical examination scoring criteria in the Nigerian tertiary institutions (University/Polytechnics/College). The paper recommends a uniform criterion to be used in the tertiary institutions to avoid subjective evaluation. This will help in attaining and sustaining the best practice of music education standards through the music program in Nigeria.