Stages%20of%20test%20construction

1
Stages of test construction
2
Why and what to test?

• A clear statement of the testing problem or
  needs analysis.
• Write / read / agree upon complete specifications
  for the test

3
Test specifications

• Blueprint of the test (plan, proposal)
• The specifications should be developed before any
  item or task is designed.
• They are useful for test writers, teachers,
  students, parents, universities, employers
• Produced in a handbook with sample test papers.

4
Test development

• Write and moderate test items
• Trial the items informally on native speakers,
  reject or modify problematic ones as necessary
• Trial the test on NNSs similar to those for whom
  the test is intended
• Analyse the results of the trial

5
Test development

• Calibrate scales
• decisions on what is excellent or poor
  performance
• Validate
• the more different types of validity is
  established, the better
• Write instructions for test takers, test users
  and administrators
• Train any necessary staff (examiners, markers
  etc.)