Tests and Examinations in Schools

Subject 460-636 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Graduate/Postgraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2008.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 18 hours
Total Time Commitment: 120 hours total commitment
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Esther Care
Subject Overview: The focus of this subject will be upon the use of commercially available tests and official examinations in schools by teaching staff. Topics will include tests of literacy and numeracy achievement and progress, verbal and numeric scholastic aptitude, learning style preference, and other relevant tests and examinations. Familiarisation with tests will centre around concepts of validity and function. Professional issues concerned with user skills and competence will be highlighted, as well as understanding of Intellectual Property and Copyright, rights and responsibilities. Appropriate test administration practices will be covered, in terms of choice of tests, actual test administration, and interpretation and use of test scores.
Assessment: Exercises and reports equivalent to 4,000 words in total (100 per cent).
Prescribed Texts: Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing (1999). Washington , DC : AERA.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • be able to demonstrate familiarity with a variety of commercial tests commonly used in education;
  • understand how to select from the array of commercially-available tests for particular functions;
  • be able to interpret results from commercially-available tests and examinations within the context of school-based assessments;
  • appreciate the responsibilities inherent in using commercial tests and examinations in educational contexts.

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • be confident in their ability to source tests for particular purposes;
  • have sufficient understanding to interpret school and media-based reports on test results appropriately;
  • be able to contribute to policy and curriculum development based on understanding of tests and testing issues.

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