What information will the test provide?
The table on this page shows common uses for tests that you may consider using to assess your students.
Test Type | Information Provided | Example |
|---|---|---|
Achievement | Provides information that can be used for awarding credit at a specific level or evaluating a program's effectiveness. | An achievement test could be used to measure how well a student has reached the objectives of a specific course or program. |
Diagnostic | Provides information that can be used for planning targeted instruction to best meet the needs of individual students. | A diagnostic test could be used to identify a student's strengths and weaknesses. |
Formative | Provides information on students' progress that can be used for planning subsequent instruction. | A formative assessment could be used to provide feedback to the teacher and learner about the learner's progress toward desired educational outcomes. |
Placement | Provides information on general language abilities and overall language proficiency to ensure students are appropriately placed. | A placement test could be used to gather information about language proficiency for the purpose of placing incoming students in courses. |
Proficiency | Provides information on general language abilities not tied to the content of a particular course or program. | A proficiency test could be used to test a student's ability in a defined area of language (e.g., social and academic language, language for specific purposes, etc.). |
Summative | Provides information on mastery of a specific body of information (e.g., a single unit or course) or level of attainment (e.g., proficiency gains after a period of instruction). | A summative assessment could be used to assess knowledge and ability in the material taught within a specific unit of study or course. |
