Differences between good and poor assessment practices can be described in terms of three important concepts. Name the three concepts and briefly discuss them.
The three concepts that differentiate good and poor assessment practices are validity, reliability, and fairness.
1. Validity: Validity refers to the extent to which an assessment accurately measures what it is intended to measure. In good assessment practices, validity is prioritized, ensuring that the assessment methods align with the learning outcomes or skills being assessed. It involves using various assessment tools, such as quizzes, exams, observations, or performance tasks, that directly assess the intended knowledge or skills. Poor assessment practices often lack validity as they may include irrelevant or unrelated assessment methods that do not measure the desired outcomes accurately.
2. Reliability: Reliability of an assessment refers to the consistency and dependability of the assessment results. Good assessment practices ensure that assessments are reliable, meaning that if the same test or task is administered multiple times, it should yield consistent results. To enhance reliability, clear and specific instructions are provided to the examinees, and scoring rubrics or guidelines are established to reduce subjectivity in scoring. Poor assessment practices can be unreliable if they include poorly constructed or ambiguous assessment items/tasks, lack consistency in administration or grading, or involve excessive subjectivity in scoring.
3. Fairness: Fairness in assessment practices entails ensuring that all students have equal opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge and skills. In good assessment practices, fairness is achieved by minimizing biases, providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities or special needs, and avoiding discriminatory language or content. It also involves using a range of assessment methods to cater to different learning styles or preferences. Poor assessment practices can be unfair if they disadvantage certain groups of students, contain biased or culturally insensitive content, or lack accessibility options for all learners.
By prioritizing validity, reliability, and fairness, educators can ensure that their assessment practices accurately measure the desired outcomes, provide consistent results, and offer equal opportunities for all students to succeed.