TOPIC 3: BASIC TESTING TERMINOLOGY

TOPIC 3:BASIC TESTING TERMINOLOGYExplain the meaning and purpose of different types of language tests. Norm-Referenced Test (NRT) The scores are used to compare the students performance with his peers and/or compare a group with other groups. Individual test-takers score is interpreted in relation to average score, middle score and/or percentile rank.The purpose of such tests is to place test-takers along a mathematical continuum in rank order.Criterion-Referenced Test (NRT) Criterion-referenced tests as the collection of information about student progress or achievement in relation to a specified criterion. Performance measured according to stipulated/fixed standard/criteriaCRTs are designed to provide feedback to test-takers, mostly in the form of grades, on specific course or lesson objectives.

6FORMATIVE TESTSUMMATIVE TESTTo monitor students progressTo test what has been taught in a courseAssessment for learningAssessment of students learningKind of feedback teachers give students while the course is progressing.Kind of measurement that summarises what the student has learnt or give a one-off measurementGenerally informal done in progress.Done at the end of the course / year for grading and rankingAnecdotal recordsFinal examsQuizzes and essaysEXAMPLESNational exams (UPSR, PMR, SPM, STPM)Diagnostic testsEntrance examsOBJECTIVE TESTSUBJECTIVE TESTAn objective test is a test that consists of right or wrong answers or responses and thus it can be marked objectively. A subjective test is evaluated by giving an opinion, usually based on agreed criteriaTend to focus more on specific facts than on general ideas and concepts. Provides more opportunity to demonstrate their understanding and/or in-depth knowledge and skills in the subject matter. Multiple choice items/questionsTrue-false items/questionsMatching items/questionsFill-in the blanks items/questions.EXAMPLESEssay Short-answerVocabularyTake-home tests.