Proposes a hierarchical item response theory (IRT) model for mastery classification in criterion-referenced measurement. In this model, items measuring the same criterion are grouped, and a difficulty and discrimination parameter for the criterion is estimated on the same scale as the person and item parameters. Illustrates the model with a test…

This study examined a model of assessment that could be applied nationally for Year Twelve Vocational Education and Training (VET) subjects and which could yield both a differentiating score and recognition of competence. More than fifty colleges across all states and territories of Australia field-tested the approach over one school year. Results…

Although assessment of nursing students' clinical performance is difficult, objections to grading may be based on erroneous assumptions. A combination of criterion- and norm-referenced assessment can clarify minimum competency requirements and reward meritorious performance. (SK)

Examination of the implementation of General National Vocational Qualifications in Britain highlights the limitations of criterion-referenced assessment practices. Analysis leads to the establishment of assessment principles: (1) continuous assessment should allow for learner development; (2) better ways of assessing "soft" skills are…

This paper discusses technical issues related to methods of reporting the outcomes of graded tests, with reference to three existing schemes which exemplify differing graded test models. The models are designed for secondary school pupils and are operated in one or more Local Education Authorities in the South of England. (LMO)

In Canada, tests and test results do not appear to be driving the school system. Canadian universities do not require Canadian applicants to provide SAT or ACT scores for admission. Most provinces administer their own testing programs aimed at all students, not only the college bound. Developing the whole child is an important objective. (MLH)

Describes how the development of a criterion-referenced test for Kweyol led to the accreditation of Kweyol language and literacy courses taught in London. The process of accreditation has relevance for those involved in heritage teaching in countries such as the United States and for those committed to sustaining local literacies in microstates…

Using criterion-referenced test item data collected in an empirical study, differences in item selection between Cox and Vargas' pretest-posttest validity index and a latent trait approach (evaluation of the item information function for the mastery score) are analyzed. (Author/GK)

In this paper Cognitive Abilities Test scores are compared directly with moderated GCSE scores awarded to the same group of pupils. For ease of interpretation the comparisons are presented in a graphical form. Whilst some provisional and tentative conclusions are drawn about the reliability of GCSE art, questions are raised about the general…

Even though simple line drawing by itself, has been found to be effective in improving learning visualization, it is not always sufficient for optimizing student achievement. Under these types of conditions it becomes necessary to incorporate other instructional strategies to complement the visualized instruction. Visuals allow for mental…

Transparent and consistent credit transfer procedures are essential if EU Universities are to successfully build the European Higher Education Area and thrive in the emerging global knowledge economy. Currently, the European Credit Transfer System is the most widely used mechanism to enable credit transfer between universities in different EU…

In September 2005 the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) in association with the Department for Education and Skills (DfES), the Sutton Trust and the College Board, began a five-year research study to examine the validity of an aptitude test in higher education admissions. This report describes and explores the relationships…

The purpose of this study was to examine the instructional effectiveness of adjunct post-questions, metacognitive process prompts, cognitive feedback and training in complementing semantic maps. Two hundred seventy Taiwanese subjects were randomly assigned to eight treatments. After interacting with their respective treatments each completed three…

Intended to provide a broad introduction to the subject of student assessment, this booklet begins by discussing the role of assessment in any systematic approach to course or curriculum design and explains the difference between assessment and evaluation. Four basic features of a good student assessment procedure are then discussed, i.e.,…

Grading profiles for formative and summative assessment in a British nursing school were designed with criterion referencing to improve validity and interrater and intercourse reliability. Assessment was conceptualized as an ethical activity that clarifies expectations through specification of criteria. (SK)