Towards multicultural, inclusive and diverse evaluation – Exploring post-Secondary students’ perceptions

Abstract

ABSTRACT Higher education acknowledges evaluation as a core component in pedagogy. However, K–12 institutions implement different applications of formative evaluation, and Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) still use traditional evaluation almost exclusively. Adjustments made for students with disabilities (SWDs) are often exam accommodations rather than modifications in the evaluation process itself. The current study aims to examine the perceptions of students from different cultural backgrounds and abilities on Culturally Responsive Academic Evaluation (CRAE), which also takes into consideration SWDs and sees them as a distinct cultural group. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) was used as a guiding framework for formative evaluation for students with and without disabilities. The study used a qualitative method through a phenomenological approach. Twelve undergraduate and graduate students were interviewed using in-depth semi-structured interviews. Results showed three themes concerning CRAE in higher education: Multiculturalism and diversity sensitivity, diversification in evaluation methods, and social responsibility. According to the participants’ statements, the student population is ready for more flexible and diverse evaluation methods, as long as boundaries are set to preserve academic standards.