Policies

5.1. Marking Rules and Procedures

The minimum passing mark for any individual module is 50%. A cumulative mark average of Living Word Theological Institute course-work attempted will be maintained. A minimum cumulative grade mark average of 50% is required to be considered “Competence” (C). No passing mark is given, however, without completion of all assigned work for an individual module.
Students who do not achieve a 50% cumulative mark average after completing the first term (quarter) will be warned and put on probation. After the second term (quarter) of course work the student with a low cumulative mark average may be put on restriction and required to read and sign a statement acknowledging that he or she must either raise the cumulative mark average to 50% or not qualify to be allowed to sit for EISA

5.2. Assessment Methods

Each module is based upon the mastery of specific outcomes and criteria established by a content expert. (Subject Matter Expert). These criteria establish the bases for the theory of the module. Two modes of assessment are strategically employed, subjective and objective instruments. The subjective instruments demonstrate the student’s ability to apply theory and concepts of the subject matter in meaningful ways. The objective instruments assist in verifying the specific elements of the content mastered. Taken together, this assessment process demonstrates the mastery of the subject content.

5.3. Practical and Experiential Learning.

Practical’s are conducted in each Practical Modular and Workplace Modular discipline. In each case the instructor and a local Pastor/manager evaluates the student’s mastery of the process and completes a review form supplied by LWTI. The experience of the student in field work is woven into each course via the medium of discussion and weekly reporting. Thus experiential learning is an ongoing process at LWTI. Marks are influenced by experiential learning depending on how crucial it is to mastery of the subject.

LWTI is built around the concept of experiential learning. Each module provides the opportunity for students to discuss how the things they are learning are being used in their practical service for God.

1. Each student is required to do experiential learning via a practical work assignment that is related to his/her courses.
2. The college relates to the pastors or organizational heads from which the students emerge so that there is outside input on the development of each student.
3. In case of student who are doing the courses on a part-time basis through correspondence, an opportuned time is created for them to conduct practical’s.
4. The staff consults supervisors of the students and their marks are affected. The marks obtained from the learners Internal Summative Assessment, which include tests, assignments and internal examination, as well as Practical and Workplace experience points; form the learners’ Statement of Results.

5.4. Policies on research for students:

1. Each modular course requires that the students write a research assignment called a “Written Assignment.” The lecturer is free to divide these up into three to five smaller papers but the usual approach is an 8-10 page type-written paper on a topic relevant to the subject being taken.
2. The student is required to use at least three book sources as well as reference works, interviews and journals in his/her assignment paper.

5.5. Marking and Re-marking.

In some extreme cases, a student may be allowed to redo a tests or written assignment(s) or even examinations (if judged justifiable). The student agrees to the finality of the re-marking. All marks are recorded on computer forms and hard copies are filed in student files.

5.6. Re-assessment or Re-examination

If the final mark is less than 50%, a student may request a retake examination within two months of receiving the final mark. It is clear that it is highly unlikely that a student will receive a higher mark in the second examination unless the student carefully reviews the course materials and attempts to correct learning inadequacies.
If a student fails to earn a passing mark through re-examination, and the student desires to take the examination the third time, the student must enrol in the module again and pay the applicable fees to receive the credit.

5.7. Re-evaluation of marked assessments and/or remarks.

Should a student not be satisfied with the marks received on any assigned work, the student may appeal the mark to the Dean’s Office. Upon receiving the appeal, the assignment will be directed to the Instructor responsible and President for review. The decision reached jointly by Academic Dean, Instructor and President is final.

6.1. General Procedures to maintain the quality and integrity of learner assessment

1. Written examinations are required of all subjects. An alternative may be an actual demonstration of skill in certain instances.
2. Written examinations are usually in essay format although assessors are allowed to use objective examinations.
3. A combination of written examination and demonstration may be used to ascertain the final mark of the student as in preaching a sermon in Homiletics.
4. An explanation of the marking system is given to the students in the logistic pages of the workbook or prior to the study of each subject.
5. The percentage value assigned to each aspect of the subject is set out in the logistics pages of the workbook. Percentages may vary in different subjects.

6.2. Specific rules governing the conduct of the examination:

1. Students are not allowed to bring notes, texts or workbooks into the examination room. In some exams an unmarked Bible may be allowed.
2. Lecturers are not allowed to invigilate their own examinations.
3. Lecturers act as assessors of their own subjects. For moderation purposes other lecturers act as moderators.
4. Outside assessors are appointed in cases of dispute.
5. Examinations are not returned to students but are filed.
6. Students are separated during the exam time in the classrooms to avoid cheating.
7. Students are instructed on the examination procedure and the time limits.
8. Students are not allowed to exit the examination room during the exam, except in an emergency.
9. Students are not allowed to take examinations out of the classroom.
6. Final examinations are written on the published date. Make-up examinations may be arranged for adequate causes. A separate examination is then provided.
7. Examination papers are marked in red ink.
8. Examination papers are collected after the time of the examination and returned to the marker. When marking is completed, all examination papers are given to the College Administrator.
9. The Administrator records all marks on student transcripts via computer. The Administrator files both the examinations and a hard copy of the marks.

6.3. Postponed Examinations:

1. Any examination that is postponed due to severe illness, death in the immediate family or other emergency may be taken at a later date in consultation with the administration.
2. A separate examination (other than the original) will be provided in the case of such postponement.
3. Examinations must be made up within the time frame set up by the lecturer.
4. All examinations postponed to a later date shall be invigilated by an invigilator appointed by the administration.
5. Assuming that an unacceptable excuse (not as listed in #1) is tendered, the administration may deduct percentage points, thus lowering the overall mark of the student.
6. If a student spoils an examination paper, he/she may request another but must finish in the allotted time set by the administration.
7. Most final examinations are set for two hours. Students must cease writing when the invigilator signals that the allotted time is finished. Points will be deducted for any non-compliance on the advice of the invigilator to the assessors.
8. Assessors must have in their possession a subject workbook as well as a completed examination to make sure that student answers are correct.
9. In the case of essay type examinations, assessors must have a completed examination with the key words or concepts listed under each question to ensure objectivity in marking.

6.4. Handling of Examinations and Replacement Examinations:

1. Examinations are prepared and then placed in brown A-4 envelopes with proper instructions written on the outside. Envelopes are stapled. Only the designated invigilator is allowed to open the envelope on the day of the examination.
2. Each learner who has qualified to enter an examination for a specific module, receives an answer book bearing his or her name and student number with a scoring sheet for that particular module.
3. Invigilators will remind students of the total time they may take to write the examination.
4. Invigilators will walk around the room and inspect the students while they are writing the examination until they are satisfied there are no crib notes on the body or clothes of the students who are writing the examination.
5. Examinations will be collected as the students finish writing.
6. On no account will talking be allowed in the examination room.
7. If a student asks a question about the examination paper, the invigilator will address all the students in the examination room in giving a clarification.
8. Since no lecturer invigilates his or her own examination, the invigilator’s neutrality is useful in maintaining objectivity and fairness.
9. In the case of cheating (where the invigilator sees a student looking on another’s paper or using crib notes), such student’s examination paper will be removed and the student dismissed from the room. The invigilator’s judgment is final.
10. Any replacement examinations used for postponed examinations will be kept secure until their use. The above rules will be utilized at the time that the postponement examination is written.

6.5. Marking of Assignment Papers:

1. Assignment covers that have instructions on how assignments are to be written and a declaration are handed to learners for each module.
2. Learners must read and understand the instructions on the assignment cover before they start writing an assignment.
3. After reading the instruction they sign a declaration on the assignment cover.
4. In marking assignment papers, lecturers and external markers deduct points for improper use of format outlined in the Student Work Guide.
5. In marking assignment papers, assessors use a general format that includes such criteria as creativity, proper research, good logic, biblical basis, appropriate illustrations, and strong argumentation.
6. Due dates are adhered to, but extensions can be granted at the behest of the lecturer.
7. Penalties may be assessed for late work. Such penalties may range from 2% to 5% for every 24-hour business day later than the due date up to a maximum of two weeks (5 days a week) after which students will be given an incomplete in the course.