Planning the Test/ Test Construction
Major considerations and steps in test planning:
Planning of the test is the first important step in the test construction. The main goal of evaluation is to
collect valid, reliable and useful data about the student. Therefore, before going to prepare any test we
must keep in mind that:
a) What is to be measured?
b) What content areas should be included?
c) What types of test items are to be included?
The first step includes three major consideration;
- Determining the objectives of testing.
- Preparing test specifications.
- Selecting appropriate item types.
Determining the objectives of testing
A test can be used for different purposes in a teaching learning process. It can be used to measure the
entry performance, the progress during the teaching learning process and to decide the mastery level
achieved by the students.
Preparing test specifications
The second important step in the test construction is to prepare the test specifications. In order to be
sure that the test will measure a representative sample of the instructional objectives and content areas
we must prepare test specifications. One of the most commonly used devices for this purpose is Table of
Specifications or Blue Print.
Selecting appropriate item types:
1) Objective Supply Type - items require students to produce the answer may be single word or
several page response. They are typical broken into three categories of either short answer,
restricted response essay or extended response essay.
2) Objective Selected Type - Answers to the questions are supplied and the person taking the test
must chose the correct one. Examples of selection type questions are multiple choice, matching,
true-false or alternative- response, and interpretive exercise.
3) Essay Type - requires answers to be written out at some length. The student functions as the
source of information. An essay exam requires you to see the significance and meaning of what
you know. It tests your knowledge and understanding of the subject and your skill in reading and
writing.
