Our Learners Performance Is Largely Dependent On The Quality Of Our Test Items. ITN

Our learners performance is largely dependent on the quality of our test items.

Unfortunately, many of us fail to follow the basic principles of test item construction administration. There are two contributing factors. Either we are not aware or we are aware but choose to ignore for various reasons.

This is a reminder for those who knew it already and a new knowledge for those who might not be aware.

Guidelines for constructing multiple choice tests.

1. All the possible anwers (options) should be similar in content, parallel (number of words) and structure. Eg. If you want learners to identify first president of Ghana, all the options should be names of presidents. If the correct option requires a phrase, let all distractors have same or almost equall number of words.

2.. Never start a multiple choice question with a blank space. It doesn’t mean such questions cannot be answered but according to research, learners fail this type of assessment items due to the nature of it’s construction. Instead, move the space to the middle or end of the stem.

3. The stem should ask a concise question or set a clear task to be performed. For example; a question like (A mixture is……) does not contain a problem to be solved.

4. Do not repeat words in the possible anwers (options). If you know the word is an important part of the answer and serves as a preamble for all the alternatives you are giving, add the said word or phrase to the stem/main question.

5. Specific determiners like( is, are, an, s, a) which gives clues to the correct answer should be avoided. In any case, include multiple of them in the stem to serve as a distraction.

6. The possible answers/alternatives/options should always be arranged vertically(Top to down) not horizontal (left to right). It may appear you are wasting paper but that’s the best way to organize question for learners according to research available.

7. Vary the placement of the correct answers. Don’t follow any Pattern say, putting all correct answers at option A or placing the correct answers in a certain discernible pattern as ABC, ABC. This act is unprofessional.

8. Each possible answer, must be distinct. They should be independent-not depend on each other. It shouldn’t also just be the restating of another alternative in a different word.

9. Avoid using “All the above as an option” though you can use “None of the above” but scarcely.

10. Set all questions in positive statements. However, once a while, you can set questions in the negative but the negative indicators (Not, But, Except) should be emphasized either by writing it in block capitals or itallizing, underling or making them bold.

11. Set original items. Avoid copying from textbooks or past questions. Even if you do so, try to modify it sometimes.

12. Your questions/items should be independent. The answer to question two should not depend on knowledge question one as if it’s a follow-up question. It’s unprofessional. However, all questions can have a common preamble.

13. Try to avoid grammatical error, omission and ambiguity.

It is an assessment, not a punishment. It must truly reflect what the learner actually knows or does not know for effective and proper decision making. If you find this helpful, kindly share. Follow our page on Facebook for more.

Hon Jerry Akporhor. Lead Educator. Informed Teachers Network – ITN – 0545775477.

Our Learners Performance Is Largely Dependent On The Quality Of Our Test Items. ITN

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