5.4 Differences between Standardized Test and Teacher Made Test:

A-Standardized Tests:

1. Learning outcomes and content measured:

(i) Measure outcomes and content common to majority of schools.

(ii) Tests of basic skills and complex outcomes adaptable to many local situations;

(iii) content-oriented tests seldom reflect emphasis or timeliness of local curriculum.

2 Quality of test items:

General quality of items high. Written by specialists, pretested, and selected on basis of effectiveness.

3. Reliability:

Reliability High, commonly between .80 and .95; frequently is above .90.

4. Administration and scoring:

Procedures standardized; specific instructions provided.

5. Interpretation of scores:

Scores can be compared with those of norm groups. Test manual and other guides aid interpretation and use.

B-Teacher Made Test:

1. Learning outcomes and content measured:

Well adapted to outcomes and content of local curriculum.

(ii) Flexibility affords continuous adaptation of measurement to new materials and changes in procedure.

(iii) Adaptable to various-sized work units.

(iv) Tend to neglect complex learning outcomes.

2. Quality of test items:

Quality of items is unknown unless test item file is used. Quality typically lower than standardized. because of teacher's limited time and skill.

3. Reliability:

Reliability usually unknown; can be high if carefully constructed.

4. Administration and scoring:

Uniform procedures favored but may be flexible.

5. Interpretation of scores:

Score comparisons and interpretations limited to local school situation.