The process of making a classroom test involves six steps
which are given briefly in the following lines.
1.
Planning the
test
First step of making a classroom test is planning the test
which consists of four more steps. First instructional objectives or learning
outcomes are identified so that test may be administered to find what students
have achieved regarding the set objectives. Secondly course content that the
test will cover is outlined. Thirdly a table of specification is prepared which
is also called test blue print. The table includes number of items, weight-age
according the content which has been given specified time during teaching. At
last in the planning phase other related maters are considered such as types of
items, time for test, number of item and difficulty level of the test.
2. Preparation of relevant item/Item writing
For item writing some professional teachers write items in
advance during teaching for making the test. Item writing involves test item
readability and test item vetting. Some additional
test items prove to be useful for convenience after trying out if test needs
addition and deletion of some items.
3. Try out
After completion of item writing the test is tried out with
some of the students of the same level which is also known as piloting the
test. The purpose of try out is to see the responses by item analysis. This technique
also reduces the nervousness of test taking among the students and induces the positive
test attitudes.
4. Item analysis
When try out or piloting is completed item analysis is done
on the basis of students’ responses for different items. Item difficulty is
found taking top ten papers and lower ten papers by analysis. Item discrimination
is observed and effectiveness of distracters is found during item analysis.
5. Assemble the test
This is the stage during which the test is finalized. It is
ensured that items progress from easy to difficult. Clear, complete and concise
instructions are given for each item. Grammatical errors, ambiguous language
and providing relevant clues are avoided. Face validity is ensured giving neat
and clean writing with proper arrangement of spaces.
6. Making an answer of scoring key
This is the last stage of making a classroom test where scoring
key is prepared in advance. A master copy as well as strip key is developed. Another
technique of scoring key is punch out key. Now the test is ready to be administered.
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