Test Development

Summary

This video script explains the stages involved in developing high-quality tests, such as those used in international assessments. The process includes planning, design, development, operational testing, and monitoring. It highlights the similarities between classroom test development and large-scale test production, with teachers adapting these stages for their specific class needs. Emphasis is placed on the importance of planning, designing clear test specifications, and analyzing results to create effective, reliable tests. By following these steps, teachers can design assessments that provide valuable insights into student abilities and enhance learning outcomes.

Takeaways

• 😀 Major international tests such as ILS and TOEFL are high-quality and reliable but require significant time and investment to develop.
• 😀 Test development is a cycle that includes phases: planning, design, development, operational, and monitoring.
• 😀 The planning phase involves identifying test candidates and users, while the design phase focuses on specifications and creating test materials.
• 😀 In the development phase, test materials are trialed and refined based on feedback, sometimes requiring a return to planning or design.
• 😀 The operational phase involves the actual construction and administration of the complete test, ensuring all specifications are met.
• 😀 The monitoring phase reviews the test's performance, updating materials to maintain alignment with the original aim and contributing to future changes.
• 😀 The test development process for classroom tests mirrors the major test process, but with smaller scope and more immediate content needs.
• 😀 Teachers should develop a profile of their students to tailor classroom tests, even though this profile may be less detailed than for major international tests.
• 😀 A test specification is crucial in organizing thoughts and decisions about test content, timing, structure, and methods.
• 😀 After a test is administered, teachers should analyze the results to ensure the questions are balanced in difficulty and informative of student abilities.
• 😀 Regular monitoring and review of tests lead to a test bank, allowing teachers to reuse well-constructed tests in future years.

Q & A

What are international tests like ILS and TOEFL known for?

International tests such as ILS and TOEFL are high-quality tests that provide reliable and useful results.

Why is test development considered a time-consuming and expensive process?

Test development is time-consuming and expensive because it involves several phases, including planning, design, development, operational, and monitoring stages, each requiring careful attention and resources.

What is the first phase of major test development?

The first phase of major test development is the planning phase, where the need for the test and the type of test are decided, and potential candidates and users are identified.

What happens in the design phase of test development?

In the design phase, test specifications, features, and the range of topics are developed, and sample materials are written.

How does the development phase differ from the design phase?

During the development phase, the test materials are tested, and feedback is collected from those involved, which may lead to revisions and adjustments, possibly returning to the planning or design stages.

What is the operational phase in test development?

The operational phase involves the construction and administration of a complete test after the specifications have been agreed upon and finalized.

What is the purpose of the monitoring phase in test development?

In the monitoring phase, the performance of the new test is reviewed, and the materials are revised and updated to ensure they align with the original aim of the test.

How do classroom tests differ from international tests?

Classroom tests and international tests differ in terms of content, timing, format, and reporting. Classroom tests are typically tailored to specific classes, while international tests are more standardized.

Why is it important for teachers to develop a profile of their class when creating a test?

Developing a profile of the class helps teachers understand the students' background knowledge, strengths, weaknesses, and language skills, which aids in designing a relevant and effective test.

What is the purpose of test specifications for classroom tests?

Test specifications help teachers remember all the necessary factors to consider when developing a test, including the test's purpose, skills to be tested, time constraints, organization, and test methods to be used.