The effect of continuous assessment on nursing students’ academic performance in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
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Background of the Study
Continuous assessment is an integral component of modern educational practices, designed to monitor and evaluate students' progress over time rather than relying solely on summative assessments like final exams (Adeyemi et al., 2024). In nursing education, continuous assessment is particularly significant as it helps to measure students’ understanding, skills, and competencies across various subjects, including clinical practice, theory, and professional development (Ibrahim et al., 2025). Traditional assessment methods often rely heavily on exams that may not capture the full scope of a student's capabilities, including their practical skills and critical thinking abilities (Nneka & Omolola, 2023).
In nursing programs, where practical skills are as important as theoretical knowledge, continuous assessment offers an opportunity for both instructors and students to identify areas of improvement, provide timely feedback, and ensure that students are developing the necessary competencies to practice safely and effectively (Adebayo et al., 2023). Moreover, continuous assessment supports a more holistic evaluation of students’ learning, allowing for the tracking of their progress throughout the course and encouraging active engagement in their educational journey (Osayomi et al., 2024).
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, is one of the leading institutions in Nigeria that offers nursing programs, and it is essential to understand the role of continuous assessment in improving the academic performance of nursing students. Previous studies indicate that continuous assessment enhances student learning, improves performance, and encourages a deeper understanding of the subject matter (Ibrahim et al., 2025). However, despite its benefits, there is limited research on the specific impact of continuous assessment on nursing students' academic outcomes, particularly in the context of Nigerian nursing schools like Ahmadu Bello University. This study seeks to examine how continuous assessment affects nursing students' academic performance at the institution.
Statement of the Problem
The academic performance of nursing students is influenced by a variety of factors, including teaching methods, clinical experience, and assessment strategies (Micheal et al., 2023). In many Nigerian nursing schools, there is an over-reliance on summative assessments, which can lead to a narrow focus on memorization rather than the development of critical thinking and practical skills (Oluwaseun et al., 2024). While continuous assessment has been suggested as an effective method for improving students' academic performance, its specific impact on nursing students at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, remains unclear.
Given the importance of both theoretical knowledge and clinical competencies in nursing education, it is essential to explore how continuous assessment can better evaluate these aspects of student performance and whether it leads to improved outcomes. This research aims to address this gap by investigating the effects of continuous assessment on the academic performance of nursing students at Ahmadu Bello University.
Objectives of the Study
- To determine the effect of continuous assessment on the academic performance of nursing students at Ahmadu Bello University.
- To assess students' perceptions of continuous assessment as a tool for improving their learning in nursing.
- To identify the challenges and benefits associated with continuous assessment from the perspective of nursing students and faculty.
Research Questions
- How does continuous assessment affect the academic performance of nursing students at Ahmadu Bello University?
- What are nursing students' perceptions of continuous assessment in relation to their academic performance?
- What challenges and benefits do nursing students and faculty identify in the use of continuous assessment?
Research Hypotheses
- Continuous assessment has a positive effect on the academic performance of nursing students at Ahmadu Bello University.
- Nursing students who experience continuous assessment will have a better understanding of course material than those who rely solely on summative assessment.
- There are significant differences in the perceptions of continuous assessment based on students' academic performance.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on nursing students enrolled at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and will examine the role of continuous assessment in their academic performance. The study will cover both theoretical and practical components of nursing education, with a particular focus on how continuous assessment influences students' ability to retain information and apply their knowledge in clinical settings. One limitation of the study is that it will rely on students' self-reported perceptions, which may be biased. Additionally, due to the nature of the nursing curriculum, not all aspects of the students' learning experiences may be captured through continuous assessment alone.
Definitions of Terms
- Continuous assessment: An ongoing process of evaluating students' performance throughout the course, through a combination of assignments, quizzes, practical tests, and other evaluative tools.
- Academic performance: The evaluation of students' success in their courses, typically through grades, examinations, and practical assessments.
- Nursing education: The process of training individuals to become nurses, encompassing both theoretical instruction and practical clinical experience.
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