Research article | Open Access
Journal of Education in Middle East and North Africa 2025, Vol. 1(1) 13-24
The Role of Self-Assessment in Developing Letter Recognition Skills in Early Childhood in the UAE
pp. 13 - 24
Publish Date: October 19, 2025 | Single/Total View: 0/0 | Single/Total Download: 0/0
Abstract
Self-assessment is a formative assessment tool that encourages young learners to reflect on their progress, take ownership of their learning and develop basic literacy skills. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of self-assessment in improving letter recognition among early childhood students (ages 4–6) in UAE government kindergartens. The study uses mixed methods of research design to investigate the effectiveness of self-assessment strategies, to assess students' progress in letter recognition, and to identify challenges in implementation. Teacher interviews, classroom observations, student artifacts, and self-assessment tools (star ratings and emotional emoji scales) were used for data collection. The results show that self-assessment leads to significant improvements in letter recognition skills, and students become more aware of their learning strengths and weaknesses. The most effective methods for supporting early learners were visual and interactive self-assessment methods, especially those that included engaging and age-appropriate tools. However, there were challenges like limited attention span, different levels of developmental readiness, and the need for teacher guidance. This indicates that successful implementation of self-assessment requires structured support and scaffolding. The findings of this study emphasize the need for incorporating self-assessment into early childhood literacy instruction, and show how it can increase student motivation, engagement, and autonomy. Further research should investigate other self-assessment strategies that are appropriate for young learners' cognitive and linguistic development to optimize learning outcomes.
Keywords: formative assessment, self-assessment, letter recognition, early childhood
APA 7th edition
Ogdol, R., Alshamsi, H., & Konca, A.S. (2025). The Role of Self-Assessment in Developing Letter Recognition Skills in Early Childhood in the UAE. Journal of Education in Middle East and North Africa, 1(1), 13-24.
Harvard
Ogdol, R., Alshamsi, H. and Konca, A. (2025). The Role of Self-Assessment in Developing Letter Recognition Skills in Early Childhood in the UAE. Journal of Education in Middle East and North Africa, 1(1), pp. 13-24.
Chicago 16th edition
Ogdol, Robin, Hajer Alshamsi and Ahmet Sami Konca (2025). "The Role of Self-Assessment in Developing Letter Recognition Skills in Early Childhood in the UAE". Journal of Education in Middle East and North Africa 1 (1):13-24.
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