A. Standardized Test
B. Essay Type Test
C. Criterion reverenced test
D. Norm referenced test
Answer is = C
You are right! Out of the provided options, student performance is compared with clearly defined learning tasks in a:
C. Criterion-referenced test
Here’s why the other options are not used for this specific purpose:
- Standardized Test: While standardized tests often have established learning objectives, the primary focus isn’t necessarily on directly comparing a student’s performance to those tasks. The emphasis might be on achieving a certain level of mastery against a predetermined standard.
- Essay Type Test: Essay tests can be evaluated based on rubrics that outline criteria aligned with learning objectives, but the comparison isn’t always explicit. The main focus might be on the quality of the essay itself in addressing the prompt.
- Norm-referenced test: As discussed earlier, these tests focus on comparing student performance to a norm group (average score of a representative population). They don’t directly assess how well a student has mastered specific learning tasks.
Criterion-referenced tests, on the other hand, are designed to evaluate how well a student has achieved specific learning objectives or mastered particular skills. Here’s what makes them distinct:
- Clearly defined criteria: The test is based on a set of predetermined criteria or learning objectives that outline what students are expected to know or be able to do.
- Mastery assessment: The focus is on determining whether a student has achieved a specific level of proficiency in the targeted skills or knowledge.
- Benchmarking: Criterion-referenced tests can be used to establish benchmarks that indicate the level of performance expected for a particular learning objective.
Here are some additional points about criterion-referenced tests:
- Varied formats: They can use various question formats (multiple choice, essay, performance tasks) as long as they effectively assess the defined criteria.
- Use in formative assessment: These tests are often used for formative assessment, providing feedback to students and teachers about areas of strength and weakness in mastering learning objectives.
In conclusion, criterion-referenced tests are valuable tools for educators to gauge how well students have learned specific skills or knowledge, directly comparing their performance against the established criteria or learning objectives. This approach helps teachers tailor instruction and identify areas where students might need additional support.