Administer Test

Proper test administration helps reduce student anxiety (Worthen, et al., 1999). Tests should provide students with a fair opportunity to demonstrate their mastery of content being assessed. Factors (e.g., test taking ability, mood, ability to ignore distractions, etc.) other than students' mastery of the learning outcomes should be minimized or eliminated from the test taking environment. 

Proper test administration includes time limits, specific instructions to test takers, specific instructions to proctors, required testing materials and equipment, comfortable testing environment, minimal distractions, readable and understandable testing materials, measures taken to prevent cheating, and so on. Although it depends on a type of testing, in some situations the competency level of those who proctor the test is also important to ensure proper administration.

Last but not least, motivate students to do their best. Help students understand that test taking is one way to improve the teaching and learning process to help reduce test anxiety and increase motivation. Kubiszyn and Borich (2003) also suggest tests should not be used to punish students, but to assess student learning, to provide students with feedback, to evaluate the instructional effectiveness, and to obtain feedback for possible revisions. 

Reflection

  • Do your tests provide specific instructions (open books/notes, time allowed, attempts, tools allowed, etc.)  to both students and test proctors?
  • Do you specify all of the testing materials students would need to take the tests?
  • Do you expect cheating and come up with possible solutions?
  • Do students know that your tests are not to punish, but to help them reflect on their learning and help you collect information and plan any necessary support and instructional adjustment?
  • Are the selected testing centers conducive to taking tests?

Reference

  • Kubiszyn, T., & Borich, G. (2003). Educational testing and measurement: Classroom application and practice (7th ed.). New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons.
  • Worthen, B. R., White, K. R., Fan, X., & Sudweeks, R. R. (1999). Measurement and assessment in schools (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Addison Wesley Longman.

What's Next

We will discuss test analysis and revision.