Faculty of Humanities and Sciences
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Publication Open Access THE USE OF BLOOM’S TAXONOMY TO ASSESS STUDENTS’ PERFORMANCE EFFECTIVELY IN WRITTEN EXAMINATIONS(2017) Peiris, S; Peiris, C. N; Wickramasinghe, SBloom’s Taxonomy is widely used, to bring out thinking ability in students, as an assessment method. In this article we emphasize four types of methods generally used in evaluating the intended learning outcomes in written examinations. How questions should be structured in each level of cognitive domain is discussed with an example in multiple choice questions (MCQ), short answer question (SAQ), structured type questions (STQ) and essay type questions (ETQ). Common biological applications were used as example questions. The questions were developed to show how students’ thinking ability was brought out when questions were structured in line with the levels of cognitive domain in Bloom’s Taxonomy. In conclusion, this paper defines how the application of Bloom’s Taxonomy helps in developing complete answers which come out not from the students’ memory but from applying, analyzing, synthesizing and evaluating.Publication Open Access WEB BASED MONITORING AND EVALUATION SYSTEM FOR EXTERNAL QUALITY ASSESSMENTS IN UNIVERSITIES(INQAAHE Conference, 9-11 April, 2013-Chinese Taipei, 2013-04-09) Peiris, C. N; Wickramasinghe, S; Peiris, S; Meegama, R; Upeksha, G; Hettiarachchi, SExternal Quality Assessment (EQA) is the major component of QA framework in Sri Lanka. The main function of EQA is to review the standard and quality of the HEIs and its programmes of study and to provide the outcome to stakeholders to observe their expectations. Due to lack of organized mechanism to monitor and evaluate the outcome of the EQA conducted in universities the improvement in quality is not visible. Also the System users are in different geographical locations and therefore, no access to observe the outcome of EQA’s. A web based approach was developed, as a method to achieve the expected outcomes of EQA’s. The system provides user friendly, accurate and up-to date information of EQAs and also it provides a feedback mechanism through online forms/questionnaires. The easy access of information would provide the authorities a basis for decision making to improve higher education sector in Sri Lanka.Publication Open Access EXTERNAL QUALITY ASSURANCE AT PROGRAM LEVEL: STANDARDS & PERSPECTIVES(APQN AGM and Conference, 7-8 March, 2014-Hanoi, Vietnam, 2014-03-07) Peiris, S; Peiris, C. N; Wickramasinghe, Sare public/private institutions and responsible for quality and standards • University accountability for quality and standards is a key factor in promoting and safeguarding public confidence • To identify and share good practice in the provision of education • To enable funding judgments to be taken on the basis of the outcomes of reviews • To safeguard the standards of awards and the quality of deliveryPublication Open Access SRI LANKA QUALIFICATIONS FRAMEWORK (SLQF) AND SIGNIFICANCE IN HIGHER EDUCATION(Yunnan Publishing Group Corporation and Yunnan People's Publishing House, 2015-04-18) Wickramsinghe, S; Peiris, C. N; Peiris, SThe Sri Lankan Qualifications Framework (SLQF) is a nationally consistent framework for all higher education qualifications offered in Sri Lanka. It recognizes the volume of learning of students and identifies the learning outcomes that are to be achieved by the qualification holders. With the objective of having a uniform system in naming a qualification, the designators and qualifiers of each qualification have been identified in the SLQF. The purposes and characteristics of each qualification as well as the minimum admission requirements are also stated in the SLQF. SLQF integrates the National Vocational Qualifications Framework (NVQF) developed by the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission and the pathways of lateral mobility between the vocational education sector and higher education sector have also been identified. SLQF helps in the recognition of accredited prior learning in order to facilitate the vertical mobility within the higher education system. Until the development of SLQF there had been no mechanism to evaluate the qualifications offered by higher education institutions in Sri Lanka. In addition, the SLQF will be helpful to the potential employers to know the level of learning and the attributes of a particular qualification holder. SLQF is useful to the higher education institutions, both in the public and private sector in designing their courses as the minimum level of learning effort required for each qualification is indicated by way of the minimum number of credits that should be earned by a qualification holder. Thus, the SLQF will contribute towards strengthening the quality of higher education qualifications offered by the universities and other higher education institutions in Sri Lanka.Publication Open Access RELATIONSHIP AMONG STUDENTS'LEARNING STYLE, ASSESSMENT OF LEARNING OUTCOMES AND STUDENTS'PERFORMANCES(Horizon Campus, National School of Business and Management , Sri Lanka, 2017) Peiris, S; Peiris, C. N; Wickramasinghe, SLearning Outcomes are statements that describe significant and essential learning that learners have achieved, and can reliably be demonstrated at the end of a course or a program. In other words, learning outcomes identify what a learner will know and will be able to do by the end of a course or a program. Assessment is a systematic process of looking at student achievements within and across courses by gathering, interpreting and using information about student learning for educational improvement Curriculum is a planned educational experience in a given discipline implemented within a specified time period to foster the desired academic & professional development of learners in that discipline. Our main objective is to train quality specialists capable to meet the national/international requirements. This paper extensively discusses the importance of assessment, learning outcomes, students‟ learning styles and the relationship between Students‟ Learning Style and the assessment of Student Learning Outcomes. The survey outcomes depict that the identification of Students‟ Learning Style is very important during early stage of a module as it is greatly helpful to prepare assessments and teaching methods which can be used in delivering the module. Students with different learning styles perform differently during assessments in practical and theoretical classes. Most of the lecturers do their best to finish the module according to the given time period. But the important thing is how students achieve the learning outcomes of the particular module. By considering these aspects, it is clear that there is a close relationship among Students‟ Learning Style, Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes and Students‟ Performances.Publication Open Access THE USE OF BLOOM'S TAXONOMY TO ASSESS STUDENTS'PERFORMANCE EFFECTIVELY IN WRITTEN EXAMINATIONS(Horizon Campus, National School of Business and Management , Sri Lanka, 2017) Peiris, S; Wickramasinghe, S; Peiris, C. NBloom’s Taxonomy is widely used, to bring out thinking ability in students, as an assessment method. In this article we emphasize four types of methods generally used in evaluating the intended learning outcomes in written examinations. How questions should be structured in each level of cognitive domain is discussed with an example in multiple choice questions (MCQ), short answer question (SAQ), structured type questions (STQ) and essay type questions (ETQ). Common biological applications were used as example questions. The questions were developed to show how students’ thinking ability was brought out when questions were structured in line with the levels of cognitive domain in Bloom’s Taxonomy. In conclusion, this paper defines how the application of Bloom’s Taxonomy helps in developing complete answers which come out not from the students’ memory but from applying, analyzing, synthesizing and evaluating.Publication Open Access DEVELOPING WEB BASED QUALITY INFORMATION SYSTEMS FOR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT AT THE HORIZON CAMPUS(Horizon Campus, National School of Business and Management , Sri Lanka, 2017) Peiris, S; Wickramasinghe, S; Peiris, C. NQuality Information Systems (QIS) provide quality related information to stakeholders. In elearning applications, QIS should provide e-learning materials to the lecturers and the learners who use them. In Student Management Systems (SMS), QIS provide all the facilities to run the administrative functions smoothly. Electronic Research Repository (such as DSpace) enhances the quality of the institute as it reflects the research competencies of the academic staff of the institute. Horizon Campus QIS include eLearning, SMS, DSpace, Library Management System, all based on a single platform. QIS provide better service to their stakeholders anywhere, anytime effectively and efficiently. Students‘ pass rate has been increased after introducing the Learning Management System (LMS). eLearning platforms immensely facilitate the teaching and learning process as they offer an environment-friendly and efficient mechanism for ensuring learner centered teaching and learning. As QIS implemented in a Cloud based System, it is easy to maintain and run with minimal cost.Publication Open Access Economic analysis of cassava crocket manufacturing process from raw cassava roots as an initiative for waste reduction(www.foodsciencejournal.com, 2017-03) Somendrika, M. A. D; Wickramasinghe, I; Wansapala, M. A. J; Peiris, SCassava crocket is a convenient product which uses cassava root as main raw material. An economic analysis of anonymous cassava crocket processing plant was carried out to characterize inputs and outputs of the process and evaluate the profitability of production using Gross Margin and Profitability Ratio. Primary data obtained through interviewing production staff and Secondary data was used for the analysis and samples for analysis were collected using online multistage random sampling method over 60 working days. According to the results main wastes generated through the process were cassava peel, squeezed cassava liquid which were 21.5±1.3% and 20.8±1.7% of the raw cassava root weight respectively. According to the results of economic analysis the total raw material cost account for 41.3% of the total variable cost while the labour costs, transportation, rent and other costs accounted for 39.0%, 6.0%,12.5% and 1.2% respectively. From the total raw material cost the cost of Coconut oil made up the highest value which was 54% and cassava, scraped coconut, spices mix and salt made up 36%, 7%, 2% and 1% respectively. The cost and return analysis revealed the Gross margin of 360,740 LKR per year and benefit cost ratio of 1.76. This study reveals the production of cassava crocket in cottage level is profitable.Publication Open Access Tuber quality of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera Duanal) affected by different growth conditions(Institute of Agricultural Science, CNU, 2019) Kaliyadasa, E; Jayasinghe, L; Peiris, SAshwagandha (Withania sominifera Duanal) is an important medicinal herb with increased demand after discovering its anti-stress and sex stimulating properties that are attributed to the presence of biologically active alkaloid compounds. The aim of this study was to elucidate a proper agro technological package that ensures the optimum growth of Ashwagandha to obtain the finest quality without degrading the pharmacologically active constituents. Mixtures of organic and inorganic fertilizers were combined with direct seeding and transplanted as four different treatments in this study. The fresh and dry weights of the tubers were recorded up to 12 months starting from two months after sowing (MAS) while the shoot height, root length, number of leaves, fresh and dry weights of the shoot and the root with a shoot ratio of up to 6 MAS were determined. The results revealed that the growth of Ashwagandha was not affected significantly by the method of planting, type of fertilizer or their combinations during most of the harvests. However, tubers harvested at 6 MAS had the highest recorded dry tuber weight per plant in all four treatments compared to the early harvests where two direct seeded treatments had the best results. Comparison of the phytochemical compounds showed that direct seeding with organic fertilizer had the highest recorded values for alkaloid and withaferine A contents with a lower percentage of fiber compared to the treatments with inorganic fertilizer. In conclusion, direct seeding with organic fertilizer and tubers harvested at 6 MAS are recommended as the best cultivation conditions and harvesting stage to obtain high quality tubers of Ashwagandha, respectively.Publication Open Access Plant Regeneration System for Osbeckiaoctandra (L.) DC: A Valuable Medicinal Plant(Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, 2020-12-01) Nagahatenna, D. S. K; Peiris, SOsbeckiaoctandra (HeenBovitiya), which is one of the most valuable ayurvedic medicinal and ornamental plants in Sri Lanka, is now threatened due to its overexploitation from their natural habitat. In order to produce high quality, disease-free and genetically identical plant materials in large scale, we developed a highly efficient in vitro clonal propagation system using leaf explants. The effects of three different concentrations of plant growth regulators (6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), kinetin and incubation conditions on plant regeneration were investigated. Plant growth parameters were analyzed in 15 biological replicates using one-way ANOVA. Present study revealed that the highest number of shoots per leaf explant with 92.4% shoot induction rate was achieved when young mature leaf explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 3 mg/L BAP and 0.5 mg/L NAA and incubated under dark conditions. When microshoots were separated and subcultured onto hormone-free MS medium containing high sugar content (4%), rapid shoot multiplication and a vigorous root development was detected under light conditions. The in vitro grown plantlets were successfully acclimatized and 89% of the regenerated plantlets survived. Our novel clonal propagation system will open new avenues for mass propagation of O. octandra plants for the pharmaceutical industry and improving their medicinal and ornamental characteristics through biotechnological tools