This descriptive study examines online assessment strategies employed by preservice teacher candidates when creating thematic learning experiences in online teaching environments. Using the learning management system Moodle as part of their innovative training, this review of a sample of 395 candidate-created instructional units across all grades…

There has been little discussion of two conventions common within classroom assessment: the convention of representing student's performance on an assessment using a single score; and the convention of using the average score to summarize a student's performance over a set of assessments. This paper attempts to demonstrate that the assumptions…

A procedure and a computing diagram for assigning score boundaries to grading categories on classroom tests are described. The procedure takes both the median ability level of the class and the test performance of the class relative to that of other classes into account. (Author)

Essay tests, despite their limitations, have a number of strengths and, therefore, appropriate uses in higher education, as long as users are aware of the limitations. Essay questions (extended response and restricted response) are designed to assess student learning. There is considerable agreement in the educational measurement literature about…

The advantages of a rule assessment approach to interpreting achievement test results were demonstrated using an S-P chart with coded error types. The problems of similar total test scores resulting from completely different misapprehensions, as well as correct answers resulting from incorrect rules of operation, were addressed using simulated…

A model for the recalibration of teacher assessment that assesses and evaluates in one operation is formulated. The instructional effectiveness coefficient is discussed as an edumetric device, and a new research-evaluation model that is quantitatively intuitive and empirical is formulated. The model is nonstochastic in its logic. (Author/SLD)

Much of the effectiveness of college instruction depends on the quality of the methods that are used to evaluate student progress. After developing a test or examination that is a valid and reliable measure of student performance, the college instructor must evaluate the results of the examination and report the level and quality of student…

Ideas about educational assessment are synthesized to construct a Quality Assessment Checklist that can be used to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of classroom assessments. Sound assessment begins with clear and appropriate learning targets. Once learning targets have been identified, they need to be matched with appropriate methods.…

Teaching students to use language creatively and for communication requires creative and communicative tests. Creative tests allow students to give divergent answers; communicative tests allow for both meaningful language usage and meaningful contexts. This discussion of creative, communicative tests has four parts: (1) a review of formats that…

The Multi-Digit (MDT) testing procedure is a computer-scored testing innovation conceptualized in 1982. It is fully compatible with multiple choice and true/false tests well suited for the testing of discreet terms and concepts such as in fill-in-the-blank examinations. The student reads the question and selects the appropriate response from an…

In every instance in the process of constructing and using a test, the microcomputer can aid the classroom teacher. However, the teacher will not apply the microcomputer to classroom testing without added training both in classroom testing and in using the microcomputer. (BW)

A discussion is presented which includes the following topics: purposes of testing, planning your test, instructional objectives, testing understanding, testing computation, testing applications and problem solving, evaluation and diagnosis, marking, and communicating with parents. (MK)

Notes that essay responses allow students to display the broadest range of cognitive skills. Considers ways of improving essay exams and claims that evaluating essay questions necessitates maintaining the author's anonymity, predetermining the method of awarding points, and scoring papers in a random order. (MM)

This paper describes conventions in the scoring of classroom tests and of the achievement batteries used in school districts', testing programs in the U.S. The scales used for the Scholastic Aptitude Test and the American College Testing Program are described. Some new, criterion-referenced scales developed for state and national assessments are…

Describes how multiple-choice items can be designed and used as an effective diagnostic tool by avoiding their pitfalls and by taking advantage of their potential benefits. The following issues are discussed: correct' versus best answers; construction of diagnostic multiple-choice items; the problem of guessing; the use of justifications of…