Unit 5.2.1 Testing Devices

Testing Devices

What is a Test?

A test, also called exam or examination, is a set of questions used to examine the level of one's knowledge, skill or attitude; to determine what s/he has learned.

The difference between Test and Testing

A test is a set of questions used to examine the level of one's knowledge, skill or attitude; to determine what s/he has learned. 

Whereas, testing is gathering information about what students know and measuring what knowledge, skill or attitude has been mastered.

As a result, are we teaching for the test or testing what we teach?

Traditional vs. Alternative Assessment

Traditional assessment refers to conventional methods of testing. This is usually a written standardized pen/pencil paper with multiple choice, true and false or matching test items. On the other hand alternative assessment also known as authentic assessment is written and performative measures that students use to develop their knowledge, skills and attitudes in a more meaningful way.

Types of Tests

State or Standardized Test (is designed for all persons to answer the same set of questions) for example:

• Proficiency or Achievement Tests (designed to measure acquired knowledge and skills = what you already know)
• Admissions Test (selects a candidate based on general thinking and behavioural skills in a specific area)
• Aptitude Test (designed to determine a persons' ability in a particular skill = what you are able to do)
• Comparison Tests

Norm-referenced scores are generally reported as a percentage or percentile ranking. For example, a student who scores in the seventieth percentile performed as well or better than seventy percent of other test takers of the same age or grade level, and thirty percent of students performed better (as determined by norming-group scores).

Criterion-referenced test results are often based on the number of correct answers provided by students, and scores might be expressed as a percentage of the total possible number of correct answers.

• Psychological Tests: Intelligence Tests, Personality Tests, Creativity Tests
• Teacher-made Tests or Alternative Tests e.g. 

              Objective  Tests: Multiple Choice, True and False, Fill-in-the-blank or 
                                      Completion  

              Subjective Tests: Essay = restricted and extended

Essay Questions

Restricted-response questions

• Lists, defines, gives reasons
• Imposes limitations
• Are excellent for comprehension, application and analysis levels
• (Please see Bloom's Taxonomy: Testing Beyond Rote Memory)

Extended-response questions

• Are more open in form and scope
• Provides unlimited freedom
• Are excellent for synthesis and evaluation levels
• (Please see Bloom's Taxonomy: Testing Beyond Rote Memory)

References:

Davis, B. G. .(n.d.) Types of Tests. Berkely, University of California. Retrieved on February 12, 2017, from http://commons.trincoll.edu/ctl/files/2013/08/Week-7-Types-of-Tests.pdf 

Lucero, R. (2006-2017). Composing Essay Questions. Colorado State University. Retrieved on February 12, 2017, from http://teaching.colostate.edu/tips/tip.cfm?tipid=157 

Study.com (2003-2017). Standardized Tests in Education. Retrieved on February 12, 2017, from
http://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-standardized-testing-definition-and-lesson.html

http://study.com/academy/lesson/standardized-tests-in-education-advantages-and-disadvantages.html

http://study.com/academy/lesson/reasons-and-purposes-for-standardized-testing.html

http://study.com/academy/lesson/the-importance-of-standardized-testing.html

Class Activity

Types of Test Items

Identify, define and give an example of the different types of test - items.

 

                          Multiple Choice 

                                   True and False                                           Matching

                            Fill-in-the-blanks/Completion                             Essays

Activity Individual Practice

For the following Tests please: 

• Define 
• Describe
• Outline advantages and disadvantages 
• Give an example 

Tests

·         State or Standardized Tests

·         Proficiency or Achievement Tests
   Selection or Aptitude Tests

·         Diagnostic Tests

·         Intelligence Tests

·         Personality Tests

·         Placement Tests

·         Performance Tests

·         Creativity Tests

·         Teacher-made Tests

·         Objective Tests

·         Subjective Tests