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I. Introduction The past ten years have seen a number of developments in the exam production and evaluation process. Although the specialist testing literature has burgeoned in this decade, information about recent developments and issues is often slow to filter down to the classroom level. This PCI workshop provides an opportunity for teachers and administrators to explore and evaluate aspects of the testing process and discuss current issues.
"Creating Effective Classroom Tests" focuses on the principles of test design, construction, administration and analysis that underpin good testing practice, but this manual presupposes no prior knowledge of testing or statistics. Participants will be provided with the essential theoretical and practical background that they need to construct and analyze their own tests or to evaluate other tests.
In the first part of this manual, basic testing techniques will be covered in a brief presentation immediately followed by practice in small groups. Participants will receive a "kit" of materials which they will actively explore during the workshop and later take away to guide them when they apply their new skills.
In addition to becoming familiar with standard approaches to classroom testing, participants will be introduced to alternative forms of assessment such as self-assessment, portfolio writing, and student-designed tests.
The authors believe in learning through doing. A key activity in the training session is reviewing and critiquing tests that exemplify good and bad testing practices. Through this activity, participants will acquire the useful skill of fixing bad test items and salvaging the best aspects of a test. Experience has shown that teachers value something that they can put into practice, something that immediately enhances their skills. We hope that readers will gain a heightened awareness of current testing issues and the means to put them into practice by creating effective classroom tests.
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