CH-12 CRITICAL REVIEW OF ASSESSMENT PRACTICES

Chapter 12: Critical Review of Assessment Practices Based on Tests and Examinations

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12.1 Assessment in Cognitive Domain

Introduction to Bloom's Taxonomy:
Imagine teaching a child about plants. You might start with having them remember parts (roots, stem), then understand their functions, apply this by planting seeds, analyze why some plants grow better, evaluate which planting method works best, and finally create their own garden plan. This progression is Bloom's Taxonomy – a ladder of thinking skills from basic to advanced.

Three Domains of Learning:

Domain	What It Means	Example for Primary Classes
Cognitive	"Thinking" – knowledge, understanding, and mental skills	Solving a math problem, recalling facts, analyzing a story
Affective	"Feeling" – emotions, attitudes, values	Showing respect, working cooperatively, enjoying learning
Psychomotor	"Doing" – physical skills, coordination	Writing neatly, using scissors, playing a sport

Focus on Cognitive Domain:
This is the most commonly assessed domain in schools. It includes six levels (from simple to complex):

1. Remembering: Recall facts
2. Understanding: Explain ideas
3. Applying: Use knowledge in new situations
4. Analyzing: Break information into parts
5. Evaluating: Judge or defend opinions
6. Creating: Produce new work

How to Assess Cognitive Domain in Primary Classes:

Level	Assessment Method	Example for Class 3
Remembering	Oral quiz, fill in blanks	"Name three types of leaves."
Understanding	Draw diagrams, explain in own words	"Draw the water cycle and explain it."
Applying	Solve real-life problems	"Use your ruler to measure your desk."
Analyzing	Compare and contrast	"How are rabbits and squirrels different?"
Evaluating	Give opinions with reasons	"Which story character was bravest? Why?"
Creating	Make something new	"Create a poster about keeping your classroom clean."

Classroom Tips:

• Use visual aids (charts, pictures) for remembering
• Group discussions for understanding
• Real-life examples for application
• Project-based learning for creation

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12.2 Achievement Test

12.2.1 Meaning and Definition

An Achievement Test measures what students have learned after completing a unit, term, or course. It's like a "progress report" of learning.

Daily Life Example:
When a parent checks if their child can tie shoelaces after teaching them for a week – that's an achievement test.

Definitions:

• Thorndike & Hagen: "Measures what a person has learned to do."
• Freeman: "Measures knowledge, understanding, and skills."
• Downie: "Measures accomplishments after learning period."

12.2.2 Features of a Good Achievement Test

1. Clear Objectives: Know what you're testing
2. Proper Planning: Blueprint should be prepared
3. Validity: Tests what it's supposed to test
4. Reliability: Consistent results
5. Comprehensive: Covers important topics
6. Appropriate Difficulty: Matches students' level
7. Clear Instructions: Easy to understand
8. Fair Evaluation: Bias-free scoring

12.2.3 Steps to Construct Achievement Test

1. Plan Objectives: What should students know/do?
2. Design Blueprint: Balance content and thinking levels
3. Write Questions: Different types (MCQ, short, long)
4. Review Questions: Check clarity and difficulty
5. Prepare Scoring Guide: Answer key/rubric
6. Administer Test: Clear instructions
7. Evaluate & Analyze: Check results for improvement

For Primary Teachers:
When testing Class 2 students on addition:

• Remembering: 3+4 = ?
• Understanding: Show 5+2 with blocks
• Applying: If you have 4 apples and get 3 more, how many?

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12.3 Critical Review of Assessment Practices

12.3.1 Essay Type Tests

What are they?
Tests where students write detailed answers in paragraphs.

Types of Essay Questions:

Type	Description	Example for Class 5 EVS
Restricted Response	Word limit, specific answer	"List three causes of air pollution in 50 words."
Extended Response	More freedom, creative expression	"How can we keep our environment clean? Explain."
Open-ended	No single right answer	"What would you do to make your school greener?"

Advantages for Primary Classes:

1. Tests Expression: Develops writing skills
2. Shows Understanding: Beyond memorization
3. Encourages Thinking: Organizing thoughts
4. Individual Attention: Each child's style visible
5. Creative Thinking: Original ideas encouraged

Disadvantages for Young Learners:

1. Writing Burden: Small hands get tired
2. Spelling Worries: Focus shifts from content
3. Time Pressure: Hurried, incomplete answers
4. Subjective Scoring: Same answer, different marks
5. Limited Coverage: Few questions, much syllabus

Improvement Strategies for Primary:

• Allow picture responses along with writing
• Give sentence starters ("I think that...")
• Use guided questions with hints
• Accept point form for younger children
• Focus on content over handwriting

12.3.2 Objective and Short Answer Type Tests

Objective Tests: One correct answer (MCQ, True/False)
Short Answer: Brief, specific answers

Types with Classroom Examples:

Type	What It Is	Example for Class 4
Multiple Choice	Choose correct option	Water boils at: a) 50°C b) 100°C c) 150°C
True/False	Mark statement true/false	The sun rises in the west. (True/False)
Matching	Match columns	Match animals to homes: Cow - Stable, Bird - Nest
Fill in Blanks	Complete sentences	The capital of Punjab is _______.
Short Answer	Answer in 1-2 lines	Name two sources of water.

Advantages for Primary:

1. Quick Assessment: Many topics covered
2. Less Writing: Good for beginners
3. Clear Scoring: Right/wrong obvious
4. Reduces Bias: Same for all students
5. Diagnostic Value: Identifies exact gaps

Disadvantages:

1. Guessing Possible: 25% chance in MCQ
2. No Creativity: Fixed answers
3. Writing Skills Ignored: Only content tested
4. Difficult to Make: Good options hard to create

Tips for Primary Teachers:

• Use pictures in MCQs (circle the bigger object)
• Include real objects for matching
• Allow oral responses for some
• Give practice with answer sheets

12.3.3 Oral/Viva-Voce Tests

What are they?
Face-to-face questioning and conversation.

Classroom Examples:

• Asking about weekend activities
• Describing a picture
• Explaining how they solved a problem
• Reciting a poem with expression

Advantages:

1. Immediate Feedback: Correction on spot
2. Tests Speaking Skills: Important for life
3. Less Stressful: Conversational style
4. Flexible: Follow-up questions possible
5. Multidimensional: Content + confidence + clarity

Disadvantages:

1. Shy Students Suffer: May not speak up
2. Time-Consuming: One by one
3. Recording Difficult: No written record
4. Inconsistent: Different questions for different students

Making Oral Tests Effective:

• Create safe environment (no ridicule)
• Use picture prompts to help
• Ask follow-up questions gently
• Record (audio) for review
• Include peer questioning sometimes

12.3.4 Performance/Practical Tests

What are they?
"Doing" rather than "writing" – showing skills.

Primary Classroom Examples:

• Measuring water with measuring cup
• Planting seeds correctly
• Making a model with clay
• Sorting objects by shape/color
• Reading aloud with expression

Advantages:

1. Real Skills Tested: Life abilities
2. Engaging: Children enjoy doing
3. Holistic Assessment: Knowledge + skill
4. Immediate Application: Learning used practically
5. Collaborative Possible: Group projects

Disadvantages:

1. Resources Needed: Materials required
2. Time Intensive: Longer to conduct
3. Scoring Subjective: Quality judgment needed
4. Space Required: Classroom arrangement

Practical Test Tips:

• Use checklists for observation
• Have clear criteria (rubrics)
• Allow practice attempts
• Focus on process not just product
• Include self-assessment

12.3.5 Diagnostic Tests

What are they?
Tests to identify learning difficulties – the "doctor's check-up" of learning.

Types:

1. Physical/Clinical: Vision, hearing, motor skills
2. Educational: Reading, writing, math difficulties

How to Use in Primary:

• Reading Diagnostic: Listen to child read, note errors
• Math Diagnostic: Watch how they solve, identify wrong steps
• Writing Diagnostic: Check grip, letter formation, spacing

Process:

1. Identify Problem: Child can't subtract with borrowing
2. Analyze Error: Always subtracts smaller from larger digit
3. Find Cause: Doesn't understand place value concept
4. Plan Remediation: Use blocks to demonstrate regrouping
5. Re-test: Check improvement

Advantages:

1. Personalized Help: Targeted teaching
2. Early Intervention: Problems caught early
3. Prevents Failure: Builds foundation
4. Informs Teaching: Adjust methods

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EXERCISE – Questions and Answers

Q1. What are the various techniques to assess students' performance? Discuss the advantages of essay type tests.

Introduction:
Assessment techniques are diverse tools that help teachers measure student learning. Choosing the right technique depends on what we want to assess and the age of the child.

Various Assessment Techniques:

1. Written Tests:
• Essay type tests
• Objective tests (MCQ, True/False)
• Short answer tests
2. Oral Assessments:
• Viva-voce
• Recitations
• Discussions
3. Practical/Performance:
• Projects
• Demonstrations
• Experiments
4. Observation-Based:
• Anecdotal records
• Checklists
• Rating scales
5. Portfolio Assessment:
• Collection of work over time
• Progress visible through samples
6. Self & Peer Assessment:
• Student reflections
• Peer feedback

Advantages of Essay Type Tests for Primary Classes:

1. Develops Expression Skills: Helps young learners organize and express thoughts in sentences.
2. Shows Depth of Understanding: Beyond memorization to explanation.
3. Encourages Creative Thinking: Allows original ideas and personal examples.
4. Individual Attention: Each child's unique thinking pattern is visible.
5. Writing Practice: Regular writing improves handwriting and composition.
6. Connects Learning: Helps see relationships between concepts.
7. Builds Confidence: When children express successfully, confidence grows.
8. Teacher Insight: Reveals misunderstandings not shown in objective tests.

Example: In Class 4, an essay on "My Favorite Festival" shows not just knowledge but family values, writing skills, and personal expression.

Conclusion:
While essay tests have limitations for young learners, their advantages in developing expression and deep thinking make them valuable when used appropriately with support like sentence starters, picture prompts, and focus on content over perfect writing.

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Q2. What do you mean by objective type test? Discuss the various types of objective type tests with suitable examples.

Introduction:
Objective type tests have predetermined correct answers, minimizing scorer bias. They are particularly useful in primary classes for quick checks of basic knowledge.

Meaning:
Objective tests present questions with single correct answers that can be scored consistently by different evaluators. They test recognition and recall rather than expression.

Types with Primary Classroom Examples:

1. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
• Structure: Question with 3-4 options
• Example for Class 3: "Which is a green vegetable?"
  a) Tomato b) Carrot c) Spinach d) Potato
• Variation: Picture-based: "Circle the animal that lives in water."
2. True/False Questions:
• Structure: Statement to mark true/false
• Example for Class 2: "The sun sets in the east. (True/False)"
• Tip: Use familiar situations: "We should cross the road at zebra crossing. (True/False)"
3. Matching Type:
• Structure: Two columns to match
• Example for Class 4:
  Match the occupations:
  Doctor - Treats patients
  Teacher - Teaches students
  Farmer - Grows crops
• Visual Matching: Match pictures of animals to their young ones.
4. Fill in the Blanks:
• Structure: Sentence with missing word
• Example for Class 1: "I have two ______." (eyes/ears/hands)
• With Options: "Water ______ at 100°C. (freezes/boils/evaporates)"
5. Sequencing/Arrangement:
• Structure: Arrange in correct order
• Example for Class 3: "Arrange days: Monday, ______, Wednesday"
• Picture Sequencing: Arrange pictures of plant growth stages.
6. Identification:
• Structure: Identify from description/picture
• Example: "Which shape has 3 sides?" (show triangle, square, circle)

Conclusion:
Objective tests efficiently assess foundational knowledge in primary classes. When designed with pictures, familiar contexts, and age-appropriate language, they provide quick, reliable data about student learning without the writing burden of essay tests.

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Q3. What improvements do you suggest in the existing pattern of examination? Explain.

Introduction:
Traditional examination patterns often stress rote memorization and create anxiety. For primary classes especially, assessment should be child-friendly, comprehensive, and supportive of learning.

Suggested Improvements:

1. From Memory-Based to Competency-Based:
• Current: Recall facts and reproduce
• Improved: Apply knowledge to real situations
• Example: Instead of "List types of transport," ask "Which transport would you use to visit your grandparents in another village? Why?"
2. Reduce High-Stakes Testing:
• Current: Year-end exams deciding promotion
• Improved: Continuous assessment throughout year
• Example: Portfolio of work showing growth over time
3. Include Multiple Assessment Methods:
• Current: Mostly written tests
• Improved: Mix of oral, practical, project-based
• Example: Science assessment through project (grow plant) + oral explanation + written report
4. Make Assessments Inclusive:
• Current: One-size-fits-all
• Improved: Accommodate different learning styles
• Example: Allow verbal responses for struggling writers, provide visual supports
5. Focus on Feedback, Not Just Marks:
• Current: Number/letter grades
• Improved: Descriptive comments for improvement
• Example: Instead of "6/10," write "Good drawing! Next time add more colors and labels."
6. Involve Students in Assessment:
• Current: Teacher-only evaluation
• Improved: Self and peer assessment
• Example: "Color the smiley: 😊 I did well / 😐 I need practice / ☹️ I need help"
7. Connect to Real Life:
• Current: Textbook-bound questions
• Improved: Contextual, life-relevant tasks
• Example: Math test using shopping scenario with pretend money
8. Use Technology Appropriately:
• Current: Paper-pencil only
• Improved: Digital tools where available
• Example: Audio recordings for language assessment, educational apps for practice
9. Assess All Domains:
• Current: Mostly cognitive
• Improved: Include affective and psychomotor
• Example: Checklist for group work skills (affective) and handwriting improvement (psychomotor)
10. Teacher Training in Assessment:
• Current: Limited assessment literacy
• Improved: Regular training on new methods
• Example: Workshops on creating rubrics, conducting observations

Conclusion:
Improving examination patterns requires shifting from judging to supporting learning. For primary children, assessment should be a natural, anxiety-free part of learning that guides their growth and builds confidence rather than fear.

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Q4. What do you mean by short answer type test? Discuss the various types of short answer type tests with suitable examples.

Introduction:
Short answer tests bridge objective and essay tests - requiring brief but self-constructed responses. They are ideal for primary classes to assess understanding without lengthy writing.

Meaning:
Short answer tests require students to respond concisely (usually 1-3 sentences or specific terms) to focused questions. They test recall and understanding with minimal writing.

Types with Primary Examples:

1. Direct Question Type:
• Structure: Simple question requiring specific answer
• Example for Class 3 EVS: "Name two animals that give us milk."
• Example for Class 2 Math: "What is 8+5?"
2. Sentence Completion:
• Structure: Incomplete sentence to complete
• Example for Class 4 English: "The opposite of 'happy' is ______."
• Example for Class 5 Science: "Plants make their food using sunlight, water and ______."
3. Labeling/Drawing:
• Structure: Label parts or draw simple diagrams
• Example for Class 3: "Label the parts of a plant: root, stem, leaf, flower"
• Example for Class 1: "Draw a circle and color it red."
4. Brief Explanation:
• Structure: Explain in 1-2 sentences
• Example for Class 4 Social Studies: "Why do we need houses? (Give two reasons)"
• Example for Class 3: "Why should we drink clean water?"
5. Problem-Solving:
• Structure: Simple real-life problem
• Example for Class 2 Math: "Ravi has 7 pencils. He gives 3 to his friend. How many are left?"
• Example for Class 5: "If one chocolate costs ₹10, how much for 4 chocolates?"
6. Classification:
• Structure: Categorize items briefly
• Example for Class 3: "Write 'F' for fruit and 'V' for vegetable: Apple_, Carrot_, Banana_, Potato_"
7. Sequence Brief:
• Structure: Short ordering tasks
• Example for Class 2: "Write numbers 1-3 to order: ___ Drink water, ___ Wash hands, ___ Eat food"

Advantages for Primary Use:

1. Less Daunting: Shorter than essays
2. Quick Assessment: Many topics covered
3. Reduces Guessing: Unlike MCQs
4. Writing Practice: But manageable
5. Clear Focus: Tests specific knowledge

Design Tips:

• Use picture prompts for non-readers
• Provide word bank for spelling help
• Keep language simple and familiar
• Give clear examples first
• Allow drawing responses for some

Conclusion:
Short answer tests offer a balanced approach for primary assessment, reducing writing burden while still requiring constructed responses. They provide valuable information about understanding while being developmentally appropriate for young learners.

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Q5. What is achievement test? Explain the steps involved in constructing an achievement test.

Introduction:
An achievement test systematically measures what students have learned after instruction. For primary teachers, well-constructed achievement tests provide reliable information about teaching effectiveness and student learning.

Definition:
An achievement test is a standardized measure of an individual's knowledge, skills, or accomplishments in a specific area after a period of learning. It answers: "What has the child learned?"

Steps in Constructing Achievement Test:

Step 1: Define Purpose and Objectives

• Purpose: Why test? (End-of-unit check, diagnosis, promotion)
• Objectives: What should students know/do?
• Primary Example: Class 4 Math test objectives:
• Remember multiplication tables (1-5)
• Understand concept of division
• Apply operations to solve word problems

Step 2: Prepare Test Blueprint

• Balance content areas and thinking levels
• Primary Example Blueprint:

Topic	Remember	Understand	Apply	Total
Multiplication	5 marks	3 marks	2 marks	10 marks
Division	3 marks	5 marks	2 marks	10 marks
Word Problems	0 marks	3 marks	7 marks	10 marks

Step 3: Select Question Types

• Match question type to objective
• Primary Guidelines:
• Remembering → MCQ, Fill blanks
• Understanding → Short answer, matching
• Applying → Word problems, practical tasks

Step 4: Write Test Items

• Write clear, age-appropriate questions
• Primary Considerations:
• Use simple language
• Include pictures for non-readers
• Relate to children's experiences
• Example: Instead of "Calculate 12÷3," use "Share 12 chocolates among 3 friends."

Step 5: Review and Refine

• Check for clarity, bias, difficulty
• Primary Review Checklist:
• Can a Class 3 child read this?
• Are instructions clear?
• Is time sufficient?
• Are pictures clear and relevant?

Step 6: Prepare Administration Guidelines

• Clear instructions for students
• For Primary:
• Read instructions aloud
• Give practice examples
• Allow questions before starting
• Consider breaks for younger children

Step 7: Develop Scoring System

• Answer key and rubric
• Primary Scoring Tips:
• Give partial credit for steps
• Consider effort for young learners
• Use simple symbols (stars, smileys) with marks

Step 8: Pilot Test

• Try with small group first
• Primary Pilot:
• Observe children taking test
• Note confusing items
• Time how long actually taken
• Ask children about difficult parts

Step 9: Revise and Finalize

• Improve based on pilot
• Ensure fairness and appropriateness

Step 10: Administer and Analyze

• Conduct test properly
• Analyze results for teaching insights
• Primary Analysis:
• Which questions were hardest?
• What errors were common?
• How will results guide re-teaching?

Conclusion:
Constructing a good achievement test requires careful planning, especially for primary students. When tests are developmentally appropriate, clearly aligned with learning objectives, and administered sensitively, they become valuable tools for improving both teaching and learning rather than just judgment devices.