Learning self-assessment: perceptions of students and teachers

The article arises as a consequence of a thesis developed within the ambit of a doctorate. The main objective of this paper is to question the use of self-evaluation as a tool for the development of metacognition and the improvement of the teaching and learning process. We opted for a case study focused on a class of first year undergraduates at a Mozambican university, in the context of the subject of Mathematics. A total of 40 students studying two courses (Human Resources Management, and Marketing and Public Relations), and 10 teachers participated in the study. Data collection instruments consisted of self-assessment forms (completed in sessions), non-participant observation and semi-structured interview surveys were used in the study. Also analyzed were some normative and academic documents of the institution. The results allow us to conclude that students resort to self-evaluation of their learning in an implicit manner and as a reaction to the content learned, but not as an intentional learning strategy. Students use metacognitive strategies, and metacognitive judgment was the most used modality. There was also the use of metacognitive decision in a small number of students who came to express some individual and particular dynamics considered necessary for learning. No gender differences were found regarding the use of metacognition. Overall, there was a significant positive relationship between metacognitive strategies and academic achievement, as students who used metacognition in its most elaborate form performed better.