Unit III Testing and NonTesting Devices for the Study of an Individual

ACHIEVEMENT

Meaning of Achievement:

Due to individual differences, even after studying in the same class and receiving education from the same teacher, the level of learning is found to be different in different students. In order to understand this difference, achievement tests were devised.

Achievement tests are used to measure the outcome of specific education. These are related to course curriculum.

Achievement test is conducted in a school after a student has been imparted knowledge in different subjects.

The achievement tests measure the present level of educational status of the student, and are helpful in guidance programme to get the achievement level of the student in different areas.

On the basis of achievement test results may be guided to plan their future course of action or to improve the areas where they are lacking. In such a test, consideration is given not only to the absolute achievement but also to the related success or relative achievement.

In achievement test, a teacher can find out about the progress made by a student in the class.

Definition of Achievement:

In the words of Super, An achievement test or proficiency is used to ascertain what and how has been learned or how well a task can be performed. The focus is on the evaluation of the past without reference to the future except for the implicit assumption that acquired skill and knowledge will be useful in their own right in the future.

According to Bingham, Measurement of past accomplishments, both in and out of the school, when judged in relation to length and character of the training or experience, is called achievement test.

Types of Achievement Test:

There are two types of achievement tests:

Standardized Tests Teacher Made Tests.

Standardized Tests

Standardized Tests are those whose reliability and legitimacy are ensured. The other characteristics of standardized tests are as follows: Standardized Tests are designed by experts. Standardized Tests are designed for different subjects and different classes.

a)

b)

While designing standardized tests, the number of questions is very large. These are designed according to set principles and rules. These tests have definite directions for evaluation and marking.

Teacher Made Tests:

An achievement can also be measured with the help of tests designed by a teacher to ascertain the progress made by the students in different subjects. The success of these tests depends on the teachers proficiency in designing them. But these tests are more often than not subjective and lack reliability.

 Achievement

can also be measured using two types of tests: Objective Type Subjective Type

Objective Type Test

Matching Type True-False Type Completion Type Multiple-choice Type Test Classification Type Test Best-answer Type Test Simple Recall Type Test

Objective Type Test

Essay Type Test

Achievement Tests are very useful in Guidance and Counseling:

Finding Out Students Talents and Developing Them in the Right Direction.
Students Success can be Ascertained from Time to Time. Counseling the Guardians

Counseling the Teachers. Help in Preparing Cumulative Record.

Help in Vocation Selection.

Conclusion:

Thus, it is now evident that achievement reports can help in educational, vocational and personal guidance. Achievement tests results may also be used to make prediction for future success in various educational streams.