Elt-2: Testing & Evaluation

Since the initiation of kindergarten schooling, different parameters are implemented to examine the work, assigned to the students by respective teachers. It was subsequently working in assessing manner since learning was given more priority rather then judging the quality so that the children, studying in schools, can't be trodden  down but upskilled continuously, considering maturity level there. But as time passes, it is being applied in higher education system also but with different nature, where learning process is ongoing and through students negotiation and feedback giving manner the process is enriched and students are motivated to learn more. Thus it goes on.  As students gradually go from one term to another and respectively other two remaining terms, the evaluation aspect reflects upon, but still in confusing state.

Under kinds of tests, there are some key concepts for testing. Where validity and Reliability like concepts come.

1. Write on Validity and Reliability of the test

Two types of Validity

Content Validity: Content validity depends on what the test is meant for and whether it is testing that or not.

E.G.: Take as a sample piece this only blog, where we're suppose to see keyconcepts in the form of content validity. The test is meant practically to make us understand, what is content validity. It demands from us, how by being a student of PG we can present our understanding by giving some examples in infographics/writing the content following the technicality of language or can present our understanding by variety of befitting charts to this specific concept.

In Google classroom, on some of the tasks we're given some criteria to take into consideration. Following these variants, we're suppose to write our writings, given in the form of blog writing. When the task is submitted, the marks are reflected against marking area considering these criteria if these are being followed by the students or not.

Criterion-related Validity: Relates to examining the test results to highly dependable and independent alternative sources.

E.G.: A difference between self-learning or given specific training-In criterion related validity, examination results can be considered. If it is highly dependant or independant by using alternative sources from various platforms. Similarly can be seen for preparing season wise presentations and assignments.

Reliability: Depends on two factors

The test can be repeatedly used: As some current and vibrant events keep on happening in contemporary times, which can't be eradicated but as established its own roots can be restricted to a history and as it is said: History keeps on recurring therefore it is necessary to repeat to make aware the students of present times.

For example: In 21st century of Science and Technology, it seems religion is thrushed backward in history. Where once upon a time, when religion was reigning over, today science and technology has taken over and so most of the solutions are filtered out from Science rather than placing belief in faith. Thus we're able to see in many works that two personalities are presented, contrasting each other, through which we're able to see, how they represent a specific ideology and how much successful those are in their approaches.

(Albert Camus: The Plague, R. L. Stevenson: The strange case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, William Shakespeare: Othello)

The test can be used for various levels of students: If it is assigned to Sem-1 students, it can be assigned to sem-2 students. With some modification in application of theories, approaches, main content etc.

2. Write on practicality of the test: It is one of the criterias 'under evaluating multimedia materials'. Which considers: The material is feasible to use under practical conditions, material fits the infrastructure and if it befits in social and cultural context.

Having relevance in contemporary times, it can be seen through 'ongoing online education' aspect. Where one needs to consider all parameters pertaining to the topic and so time arises, can it be made feasible in front of audience/readers. Is the procured digital device transperant relating to infrastructure aspect and if it is, is the presented content as per the social and cultural environment, thriving in university campus.

3. What do you understand by backwash: The effects that tests have on learning and teaching. It can be of two types; negative and positive.

While there are various definitions by a variety of writers.

4. Difference between assessment and evaluation.

If we consider this infographic, it indicates that assessment is an ongoing process, that identifies areas for improvement, diagnosis ongoing learning process if faultery improves the learning process, happens during the learning process therefore learners are motivated to learn from each other.

Evaluation system in higher education considers the final result(what is being learnt), arrives at overall score, judges the quality, happens at the end of the year therefore competitive in nature.

5. How do you define good assessment: There are many definitions for good assessment, which I'm not mentioning here but yes as overall overview of this process, it seems that it is learner-centered, happens sometimes with some constraints, sometimes without, basing on learning environment influence, which can be seen on respective learner, how far it was impactful and served the intended purpose that has been predicted to make students learn. Sometimes it gives positive results, sometimes negative and teacher has to adapt accordingly. In a way it can be said: It is an ongoing process of assessment  for teachers also, who assesses students performance and dispositions till the year ends.

Works  Cited 

Barad, Dilip., "Evaluation and Testing-Handouts from Atanubhattacharya." 19th February, 2020.