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Chapter 51
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-5225-1624-8.ch051
ABSTRACT
Performance-based assessment strongly relies on the observation of children’s behavior, preschool
teachers’ objectivity and accuracy, and presents a signifcant part of documenting children’s develop-
ment. Therefore, the main aim of this chapter is to analyze the PBA-use and its evaluation by Croatian
preschool teachers and students from the Faculty of Teacher Education, University of Rijeka. 60 un-
dergraduate students and 64 preschool teachers participated in this empirical research by flling out
self-rated questionnaires. As it was expected, students and preschool teachers demonstrated positive
attitudes toward PBA and its documentation in general and if it is applied (will be applied) in practice.
However, the students’ positive attitudes, satisfaction and perceived usefulness of PBA are signifcantly
higher than those of preschool teachers. These last fndings defnitely imply the need for modifcations
of the policy of the preschool education system, as well as signifcant changes that should be done in
practice and relevant study programs.
INTRODUCTION
Socio-political changes that have marked the last two decades have significantly influenced the education
system as a part of the social structure whose activity is focused on the common good of all stakeholders
and the society at large. This is a radical change of the entire socio-political discourse within which to
Performance-Based Assessment
Evaluated by Croatian Preschool
Teachers and Students:
Implications for Study Program
and Practice Modifcations
Sanja Tatalović Vorkapić
University of Rijeka, Croatia
Vesna Katić
University of Rijeka, Croatia