Assessment mirrors learning progress, says Minister Moyo

EDUCATION assessment reflects the progress of learners, the effectiveness of teaching methodologies and the relevance of the curriculum, Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerayi Moyo has said.

Speaking during his keynote address at the Southern African Association for Educational Assessment (SAAEA) Research Forum in Bulawayo on Thursday, Minister Moyo said the regional gathering reaffirmed the collective commitment of Southern African

Development Community (SADC) countries to ensure that educational assessment systems remain credible, valid, reliable and responsive to the changing needs of learners and society.The forum, being attended by representatives from several SADC member states, is being held at a Bulawayo hotel.

“I am informed that one of the core pillars of the SAAEA is the benchmarking of educational assessment practices across member states. It is therefore both timely and fitting that this research forum is being hosted here in Zimbabwe, in the metropolitan city of Bulawayo,” said Minister Moyo.He said the forum provides delegates with an important platform to exchange ideas, experiences and innovations within the regional education context.

Minister Moyo said the meeting was taking place at a critical time for Zimbabwe’s education sector, as the country continues to implement reforms aimed at improving learning outcomes.

“Assessment, indeed, is the mirror of learning — it reflects the progress of our learners, the effectiveness of our teaching methodologies, and the relevance of our curricula.

Robust assessment systems enable us to identify learning gaps, celebrate achievements and inform evidence-based policy decisions,” he said.“Without such systems, our education reforms risk losing coherence and direction.”

Minister Moyo said Zimbabwe is currently implementing the Heritage-Based Curriculum, a deliberate reform model rooted in the country’s identity, values and context.

“In Zimbabwe, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is currently implementing a new curriculum — the Heritage-Based Curriculum. While some countries have shifted towards competence-based or knowledge-based models, we have taken a deliberate path rooted in our identity, values and context,” he said.

He said the Heritage-Based Curriculum seeks to develop critical thinking, problem-solving and innovation skills among learners.

Through the curriculum, learners are encouraged to identify real-life challenges within their schools, communities, homes and the wider society, and to conduct research that leads to practical and sustainable solutions.

Minister Moyo said the curriculum also promotes environmental awareness and appreciation of Zimbabwe’s natural and cultural heritage.

“It equips learners with knowledge of their heritage, including flora and fauna, topography, rivers, mountains and wildlife. It challenges them to think beyond conventional boundaries and to become active contributors to their communities,” he said.