TEST
(The Definition of Test)
The word “Test” is originally denoting a container used for treating gold or silver alloys or ore: from Latin testum ‘earthen pot’.[1] Merriam Webster dictionary stated it is vessel in which metals were assayed, potsherds, earthen pot, shell.[2]
Cronbach (1970) defines a test as a “systematic procedure for observing a person’s behavior and describing it with the aid of a numerical scale or a category system.” The phrase “systematic procedure” indicates that a test is constructed, administered, scored, and described according to prescribed rules. The term “behavior” implies that a test measure the responses a person makes to the test items.[3]
Wilmar Tinambunan stated that: “Test is an instrument or systematic procedure for measuring a sample of behavior. And it is a set of questions, each of which has a correct answer, that examinees usually answer orally or in writing”[4]
Meanwhile Kenneth D. Hopkins stated that: “Tests provide objective measurements on which educational decisions are based. Tests and other assessment devices can provide a means for improving and enhancing feedback, motivation, learning set, and over learning. They facilitate “quality control” and improve classification and placement, selection, accreditation, mastery, and certification decisions.”[5]
Another view related to the definition of test comes from another expert; Anthony J. Nitko said that test is defined as a systematic procedure for observing and describing one or more characteristics of a person with the aid of either a numerical scale or a category system.[6]
The free dictionary stated: “Test is a series of questions, problems, or physical responses designed to determine knowledge, intelligence, or ability.”[7]
According to the dictionary of education, “Test is an instrument, device, or procedure which purposes a sequence of tasks to which a student is to respond. The results are then used as measures to define relative value of the trait to which the test relates.” [8]
Testing is not a policy or a set of beliefs or principles. Testing is a technique for obtaining information. Its special virtue is that this information is provided in organized form, and that the technology of testing also provides methods for determining how dependable or undependable the information is.
The test is announced in advance and covers a specific unit of instruction, be it part of a lesson or several lessons. In reviewing for a test, students pull together the work of several class periods. Classroom tests may be given every two or three weeks, in some cases, every week. Such test may be constructed to last the entire class period.[9]
Tests provide the teacher with information on individual progress. It is almost impossible to make decisions on passing and failing students, grouping, remedial help, or providing enriching experiences for the advance pupil without test. Testing also an aid in evaluating the class as a whole.
[3] H.J.X. Fernandes, Testing and Measurement, (Jakarta: National Educational Planning, Evaluation and Curriculum Development, 1984), p. 1.
[5] Kenneth D. Hopkins, Educational and Psychological Measurement and Evaluation, (Boston: walsh & Associated, Inc, 1998), p. 15.
[6] Anthony J. Nitko, Educational Tests And Measurement an Introduction, (New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Inc, 1983), p. 6.
[8] Charles D. Hopkins and Richard L. Antes, Classroom Testing: Construction, (Illinois, F.E Peacock Publishers, Inc, 1979), p. 183.
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar