Objective Assessment of Students’ Cognitive Learning Outcomes: A Plea for Quality Science Education Instrument

1. OGUNKUNLE, Segun Jacob Ph.D & 2. ABDULSALAAM, Aminat Obakhume
1. Department of Integrated Science,
2. Department of Computer Science,
School of Secondary education (Sciences), Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, Oyo state , Nigeria
Corresponding Email : ogunkunle.segun755@fcesoyo.edu.ng

Abstract
Science education instrument is one of the determinants of quality output in the production of scientists for
technological emancipation of a nation. It provides feedback on learning for knowledge and skills acquisition
towards award of a certificate of proficiency and competence. However, the rate of graduate unemployment had
been on a steady increase over the last two decades. As a result of low quality of certificated outputs. Therefore,
the paper examines processes of constructing and validating a reliable instrument for measuring cognitive
learning outcomes in science education in colleges of education in Nigeria. Also, it identifies features of a good
question paper and marking guide/scheme as complementary components in the assessment of students’ academic
growth. Recommendations were made towards ensuring a valid and reliable quantification of students’ cognitive
achievement in science education.
Keywords: Assessment, Instrument, Learning outcomes, Science education