WHAT IS A TEST?

-In teaching and learning, test is inevitable. A test is a method of measuring a person‟s ability, knowledge. or performance in a given domain (Brown, 2000:384).
In other words, a test is a technique or method that is intended to measure students knowledge or their ability to complete a particular task.

Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary defines test as:

“…an examination of somebody’s knowledge or ability, consisting of questions for them to answer or activities for them to perform”

Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary describes test as:

“…a way of discovering, by questions or practical activities, what someone knows, or what someone or something can do or is like”

Andrew Harrison in his “A Language Testing Handbook” (1983) writes:

“A test is seen as a natural extension of classroom work, providing teacher and students with useful information that can serve each as a basis for improvement.” 

WHAT MAKES A TEST EFFECTIVE?

On the other hand, test is effective if it has these following characteristics :

1. Validity-The test must really measure what it has been designed to measure.
2. Reliability- This means that the test should give similar results even though different testers administrate it, different people scores in different forms of the test are given and the same person takes that test at two or more different times. Reliability is usually checked by comparing different sets of scores.
3. Objectivity- By objectivity of a measuring instrument is meant for the degree to which equally competent users get the same results.
   Objective-based tests measure or evaluate the entire human development in three domains that is cognitive, affective and psychomotor.
4. Norms-In addition to reliability and validity good test needs norms. Norms are sets of score obtained by whom the test is intended. The scores obtained by these groups provide a basic for interpreting any individual score.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE TESTING?

-The purpose of testing could be to evaluate learners’ educational needs, to diagnose students’ academic readiness, to measure their progress in a course, or to measure skill acquisition

DISCUSS TEACHING AND TESTING? HOW DO YOU RELATE ONE TO THE OTHER?

-Teaching can be defined as engagement with learners to enable their understanding and application of knowledge, concepts and processes. It includes design, content selection, delivery, assessment and reflection. While Testing is finding out how well something works. In terms of human beings, testing tells what level of knowledge or skill has been acquired. Testing is a powerful means of improving learning and not just assessing it. With this, Teaching and testing are interrelated. Because there will be no teaching without testing, and there will be no testing if there is no teaching occurs.

WHAT SHOULD BE TESTED AND WHAT ARE THE STANDARDS?

Tests is an important part of assessing students understanding of course content and their level of competency in applying what they are learning.
Guidelines for Assessing Student Learning
Effective assessment design enhances student learning, and engages students with different learning styles. Assessment influences what a student interprets to be the important learning goals for a course. The assignments we design constitute the means by which we assess student learning. In the best case scenario, assessments should be aligned with course goals and objectives. The following guidelines will help you to design assessments that promote your students’ learning.

Assessment Influences the Process of LearningProvide spaced assessed tasks to enable students to allocate sufficient time to study over a suitable time period and avoid “cramming.”
Students submit drafts/works in progress or display work publicly at specific points during the course.
For group work, provide mechanisms for formalized peer feedback throughout the project.
Design frequent tasks rather than one end of course assessment (or build in steps).

Provide spaced assessed tasks to enable students to allocate sufficient time to study over a suitable time period and avoid “cramming.”
Students submit drafts/works in progress or display work publicly at specific points during the course.
For group work, provide mechanisms for formalized peer feedback throughout the project.
Design frequent tasks rather than one end of course assessment (or build in steps).

Design the assessment so that students tackle the task appropriately, i.e., they engage in the process of learning rather than simply producing a final product.
Allocate some percentage of the overall mark to drafts/works in progress or justifications of decisions made while completing the assignment.
Allow students to reveal their errors and explain their corrections to validate the process of learning.
Value the learning process rather than only the final assignment by allocating marks to students’ self-analysis of their learning.

Give students the opportunity to practice the skills they need for each assessment.
Clearly explain the assessment criteria.
Give feedback on formative work.
Discuss the assessment task with students.
Continue to improve your assessment tasks for future iterations of your course based on feedback and based on how effective they were (or not) in enhancing students’ learning.
Use Feedback to Enhance Learning

Provide sufficient and detailed feedback.
Use feedback and self-assessment sheets.
Consider using audio or video recordings (e.g., for student presentations) and provide opportunities for students to discuss their reflections on their presentations and how they would like to improve.
Avoid checks and crosses, or less meaningful terms like “Great work!” or “Poor.”

Focus your feedback on student performance, learning, or actions the student can control.
Identify errors clearly.
Outline options for action that are reasonable.
Avoid personal comments which can reduce a student’s sense of competence (linked to motivation).

Provide timely feedback, or feedback that is given while it matters to the student and can be used to improve future performance.
Discuss model answers or exemplars immediately after students submit their work, while the ideas are fresh in their minds.
Use peer feedback: immediate peer feedback is preferable to late professor feedback.
Computer-based practice tests (e.g., multiple choice tests on Canvas) can provide immediate feedback for student self-paced study; however, ensure that explanations for incorrect and correct answers are provided. Also, provide “thought questions” to encourage students to consider the critical aspects of the questions (and discourage them from randomly guessing).

Align feedback with the learning goals of the assignment and the assessment criteria.
Align your feedback with the aim of the assignment: are you trying to increase interest and motivation with new students, or promote reflective learning, or identify and correct misconceptions?
Use self and peer assessment to encourage critical thinking and internalization of assessment criteria and standards.

Provide feedback that is appropriate to the student’s breadth and depth of background, experience, and level of independence.
Feedback needs to be understandable to the student and provide ways for the student to progress to the next stage or level of understanding.
Provide feedback sensitive to the student’s understanding of the discipline involved (i.e., separate generic study skills feedback from discipline-specific comments).

Feedback needs to be read and noticed.
Provide ways for students to have an active role in eliciting useful feedback. For example, you can have them identify and list points they need feedback on.
Where appropriate, it helps to give feedback only (no grade).
Use self-assessment prior to any official grading.
Use two-part assignments: formative feedback at part 1; grade only at part 2.
Use self-assessment, professor feedback, and then supply a grade.

Feedback is acted on by the student.
Follow up the feedback and be encouraging.
Provide “feed-forward” (applies to future work).

https://www.languagetesting.com/language-testing-and-assessment

Gibbs, G. & Simpson, C. (2004) Conditions under which assessment supports students’ learning. Learning and Teaching in Higher Education, Issue 1

Brown, S, Race, P & Smith B (1996) 500 Tips on Assessment, London: Kogan Page

Woolcock, M.J.V. (2005) Constructing a Syllabus: A handbook for faculty, teaching assistants and teaching fellows. A publication of The Harriet W. Sheridan Center for Teaching and Learning, Brown University.

I am a teacher born and bred, and I believe in the advocacy of teachers. It’s a calling. We want our students to feel impassioned and empowered.
– Erin Gruwell

When I was young, until I reach Junior High I am always fascinated with these questions “What do you want to be in the future?” What degree would you like to take in college?” What profession would you like to possess?”

As I pause to process these questions in mind, I end up asking myself “What really is my plan? What is really my dream profession? Then, a lot of choices would pop out in my head and I conclude with these. My top choice are: I want to be an interior designer or a dress maker or a fashion designer, I love making art, complementing colors and styles but, I knew that my family can’t afford this choice of mine. My second choice is to become a nurse, I want to enroll in a medical school, but besides of financial constraint I am also afraid because I am a near-sighted person. I am afraid with the thought of “mamali ako sin pagtusok sin injection”. Then, here comes the thought of becoming a teacher. I knew some of you can relate if I say that my motivation to take Education is my former teacher in high school. I was electrified to become like her because of her well-verse and passion in teaching.

To continue my journey, after I graduated in Tapayas High School in Balatan Camarines Sur. My sister and I moved here in Abuyog, Leyte where I pursue my college in the local college of Abuyog, in Abuyog Community College where I took Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English. At first I thought education is such an easy degree, but later on, as I step up to the higher level of my college, where can I already tell to myself, Is this really how education student must be like? I experienced 2 hours sleep just to finish my lesson plans and instructional materials. Making of projects, Reviewing for term exams. Doing research, where most of my weeks were busy with paper works and projects.

Then here comes the most exciting yet challenging part of being an education student, the practice teaching that we called.
When I am already on the field of my practice teaching, I have this mix emotion and feelings because this is now the real world of teaching. I assigned to teach in grade 7, in grade 9 and in grade 10. With this, I can say that with those 5 months of practice teaching, I had showcased my dedication to education and had taken the opportunity to instruct a wide variety of students from various background and all facets in society.

My practice teaching went to ups and downs, but I am happy with those learnings that I’ve got from my cooperating teachers and from all of my learners. I finished my practice teaching and able to march as one of the graduates of Bachelor of Secondary Education Batch 2019

To continue, After our graduation I applied in the institution where I graduated and luckily got the job as an instructor in college. By Sept.2019 I took the Licensure Examination for teachers and praise to God because He grace me with a passing rate. My everyday’s teaching experiences in the teaching and learning process in the institution were worthwhile. I ‘ve met friends and colleagues in the service, I impart learning to students, and I saw how my learners grew, honed, and reach their dreams in life.

Throughout my 2 years in the service, I am still amaze to the great feelings I feel in my teaching career and I can say that indeed, teaching is a noble profession and I am grateful that I am in this kind of path, in this kind of journey.

ABOUT THE BLOGGER

Having an imaginative mind and keen observer eyes, were truly a gifts from above.

                Hello to Everyone, warm greetings especially to those who dropped their time in reading and knowing my blog. I am Erica Pedro, a beginner blogger who wants to explore the world of words by sharing my thoughts, experiences and feelings which randomly happened.

                With my twenty five years of existence, I’ve been so close to printed text. During free time, I do love reading books and writing stories or poems which are related to what I had observed and feel. Like a kid, I always questions why things happened, why things exist for me to be able to understand the importance of it.

               As For me, every day is a gift, every moment, hours of the day is worth to be cherished. Even though there are uncounted challenges and circumstances, even though  I’ve failed in many things but still, I stand and face everything with well-spirited me, who have an armor of courage hope and faith to fight for my dreams

ABOUT THE BLOG

                WE ALWAYS HAD THIS THING CALLED RANDOM;RANDOM PHOTOS, RANDOM CELEBRATION, RANDOM MOMENTS, RANDOM FEELINGS,RANDOM STORIES, AND RANDOM THOUGHTS

                BUENOS DIAS and WELCOME TO MY WORLD OF WORDS

                Thank you for taking a glance in this simple powerful mind creation. This blog of mine intends to render an informative, persuasive, and entertaining story to all readers.

                Random Thoughts, words that I chose to be the title of this blog. Like what I said, we all had our randoms in life. Based on my experiences, there I saw, heard, taste, touch, smell and experienced things randomly which are worth to tell and share to others.

                Hope you always had your time in reading my stories. If you have your random thoughts, which you want to share do not be hesitant to post it in the comment box. Thank you and God bless us always.

ABOUT THE BLOG

                WE ALWAYS HAD THIS THING CALLED RANDOM;RANDOM PHOTOS, RANDOM CELEBRATION, RANDOM MOMENTS, RANDOM FEELINGS,RANDOM STORIES. AND RANDOM THOUGHTS

                BUENAS DIAS AND WELCOME TO MY WORLD OF WORDS

                Thank you for taking a glance in this simple powerful mind creation. This blog of mine intends to render an informative, persuasive, and entertaining story to all readers.

                Random Thoughts, words that I chose to be the title of this blog. Like what I’ve said, we always had our randoms in life. Based on my experiences, with my 25 years of existence, I saw, heard, taste, touch, smell and experienced things randomly which are worth to tell and share to others.

                Hope you always had your time in reading my stories. If you have your random thoughts, which you want to share do not be hesitant to post it in the comment box. Thank you and God bless us always.

Savior
He can move the mountain
My God is mighty to save
He is mighty to save
Forever
Author of salvation
He rose and conquer the grave
Jesus conquer the grave

Whom will not be amazed on how capable He is?

Life is magical, Life is changing. Have you ever been experienced the heaven scent? The triumph? Thanks cloud nine of life? If these things already happens to you, whom do you think? Whom do you thank?

Life has Ups and downs. Have you ever been in a deepest sorrow? Regret? Failure? If these things already happened to you, whom do you call? Whom do you think will save you?

Different circumstances in our lives

Family, you dreamed to have a happy-complete family. You dreamed to have nanay and tatay, ate and kuya at home, but life is not what you think, life is not perfect, because not everything you want, you can get. Sometimes your dream to have a happy-complete family turns out to a scenario where your mother and father had always their querrel, things were broken and threw everywhere. With this, as their child all you can do is to let those crystal ice fall from your eyes, thinking of when and how this experience ends. With this scenario, if you ever experienced and still experiencing this struggle in life, I want you to be enlightened, your hearts and your mind. Every chaos has it’s ends, just pray, near and ask it to Him. He will not let you suffer, for He will saves you in your despair.

In everyday that we are dealing with our lives, we are also dealing with challenges and circumstances. To those students who had their difficulty in conquering those files of projects and reports. To those students who are in trouble in terms of finances, and on how they are going to manage their time in all of their subjects, I advise you to close your eyes and take a minute for awhile to acknowledge Him, ask Him to bless you with guidance. For He will not let you worry things. He is there to help and save you always.

At this moment, I knew that some people are worried about their health especially those who everyday’s fought and continuesly fighting to what they are suffering, to be able to survive and lengthen their lives to see more the beauty of God’s creation. Thus, to those who are in need of God’s healing grace, just continue to believe in Him. For He is good, He will not let you suffer. He will saves you from pain.

Above everything, what ever circumstances we may face, either failure, depression, sadness, or emptiness stand still for we are not alone, we have our father, who is good, who is great, who is almighty and who will saves us all the time.

This is an example post, originally published as part of Blogging University. Enroll in one of our ten programs, and start your blog right.

You’re going to publish a post today. Don’t worry about how your blog looks. Don’t worry if you haven’t given it a name yet, or you’re feeling overwhelmed. Just click the “New Post” button, and tell us why you’re here.

Why do this?

• Because it gives new readers context. What are you about? Why should they read your blog?
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You’re not locked into any of this; one of the wonderful things about blogs is how they constantly evolve as we learn, grow, and interact with one another — but it’s good to know where and why you started, and articulating your goals may just give you a few other post ideas.

Can’t think how to get started? Just write the first thing that pops into your head. Anne Lamott, author of a book on writing we love, says that you need to give yourself permission to write a “crappy first draft”. Anne makes a great point — just start writing, and worry about editing it later.

When you’re ready to publish, give your post three to five tags that describe your blog’s focus — writing, photography, fiction, parenting, food, cars, movies, sports, whatever. These tags will help others who care about your topics find you in the Reader. Make sure one of the tags is “zerotohero,” so other new bloggers can find you, too.