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.