Understanding Testing and Evaluation in Education: Insights for Teachers
This program, held on August 3-4, 2004, by the Utah State Office of Education, explores the critical role of testing and evaluation in education. It distinguishes between various types of assessments, including formative, summative, diagnostic, criterion-referenced, and norm-referenced testing. The program emphasizes the importance of valid and reliable tests while introducing authentic assessment methods. Educators will gain insights into measuring student mastery of objectives, diagnosing academic weaknesses, and improving classroom effectiveness through effective assessment practices.
Understanding Testing and Evaluation in Education: Insights for Teachers
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Presentation Transcript
Provisionally Certified Teachers In-Service ProgramAugust 3 & 4, 2004Utah State Office of EducationASTE Department, Utah State University
Why do we test? One View … “To determine whether or not the students have mastered the objectives” Another View … “To help the student by diagnosing academic weaknesses”
Measurement & Evaluation • Measurement – The systematic assignment of numbers (or names) to attributes • 98 degrees, 99 on a test, 25’ tree, 90 yrs old… 90 lbs • Evaluation – The application of judgement concerning the results of measurement • Hot, An A+ is Super, Tall, Slender • Assessment – The process of collecting, interpreting, and synthesizing information to aid in decision making • M + E = A • Keep the kids inside, Passing, The tree has matured, He needs more CH2O
Kinds of Evaluations • Formative • Conducted as the unit is being taught • Useful as feedback • Monitors progress • Discussion questions, homework • Summative • Conducted at the end of a unit • Useful for assessment • Final Exams
Kinds of Evaluations • Diagnostic • Helps evaluate student problems or concerns • Can be formative and/or summative • Placement • Used to determine if a student has appropriate skills/knowledge to participate in a group • Entrance exams
CRT vs. NRT • Criterion Referenced Testing – Testing to determine how a person mastered well-identified content • Used for … • Measuring performance & assigning grades • Diagnostic purposes • Motivation • Influencing study habits • Improving classroom effectiveness
CRT vs. NRT • Norm Referenced Testing – Testing to determine how a person performed in comparison with that of a group • Used for … • College placement • Competition comparisons • Comparing apples & oranges (countries, states, school districts)
Characteristics of a Good Test • The test is valid • Does the test measure what it is being used to measure? • The test is reliable • Are scores consistent? • The test is constructed to facilitate ease of taking and scoring • The test is of an appropriate length
Authentic Assessment • An authentic assessment usually includes a task for students to perform and a rubric by which their performance on the task will be evaluated. • Product-like • Performance-like
Authentic Assessment • Product-like • Short-answer & essay questions • Show your work • Journal response • Performance-like • Typing test • Complete a step of science lab • On demand, construct a short musical, dance or dramatic response • On demand, exhibit an athletic skill
