HPGD2303

TAKE HOME EXAMINATION

SEPTEMBER 2023

HPGD2303
EDUCATIONAL ASSESSMENT

NO. MATRIKULASI : CGS02915426

NO. KAD PENGENALAN : 920728-13-5664
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PART A
QUESTION 1

The Importance of Developing a Table of Specifications (TOS) in Designing Summative

Assessment Questions

Developing effective summative assessments in education is a critical task that

requires careful consideration and planning to accomplish. As a part of this process, teachers
are often advised to use the Table of Specifications (TOS) as one of the indispensable tools.
Essentially, the TOS are used in the process of creating exam questions because they provide
a structured framework that has several benefits when it comes to exam question design. Here
are five compelling reasons why it is imperative for educators to create a TOS before creating
exam questions.

Firstly, the TOS ensures the systematic construction of exam papers. By delineating
content areas and learning objectives, teachers can organize questions coherently, resulting in
a well-structured assessment. This systematic approach reduces the likelihood of haphazard
questions, contributing to a more efficient and organized test. For instance, in a mathematics
exam without a TOS, questions covering diverse topics may be scattered randomly, leading
to an assessment that lacks coherence. Conversely, a TOS-guided exam would present
questions in a logical sequence, facilitating a more coherent evaluation of students'
knowledge

Secondly, the TOS ensures the validity of content sampling. Aligning questions with
content areas and learning objectives guarantees that the assessment accurately reflects the
breadth and depth of the curriculum. Consider a science exam guided by a TOS; questions
can be strategically formulated to cover key concepts, providing students with a
comprehensive opportunity to demonstrate their understanding.

The third reason centers around the balanced distribution of questions by topic. A
well-developed TOS facilitates an equitable distribution of questions across various topics,
preventing an undue emphasis on one area over another. This balance is crucial for a fair
assessment that accurately gauges students' overall understanding of the curriculum. For
example,without a TOS in a history exam, there may be an inadvertent focus on a particular

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era or region. In contrast, an examination based on a TOS would feature a proportional

distribution of questions, ensuring a more comprehensive evaluation.

Fourthly, the TOS ensures the comprehensive coverage of the curriculum in the
summative assessment. By providing a structured overview of content areas, teachers can be
confident that the exam covers the entire curriculum. This comprehensive approach is
essential for evaluating students' mastery of both fundamental and advanced concepts. For
example, in a language arts exam designed without a TOS, there's a risk of omitting critical
literary genres or language skills, resulting in an incomplete assessment. A TOS-guided
exam, however, would cover a wide range of genres, thoroughly assessing students' skills in
various aspects of language arts.

Finally, the TOS facilitates the maintenance of consistent difficulty levels in

assessments over time, even if different educators contribute to question development.
Consistency is crucial for accurately tracking students' progress and ensuring the reliability of
assessment results from one academic year to the next. For example, without a TOS, a
geography exam with changing teachers may experience unintentional fluctuations in
question difficulty, making it challenging to assess students' progress accurately. In contrast,
a TOS-guided exam provides a benchmark for maintaining consistent difficulty levels,
enhancing the reliability of longitudinal assessments.

There is no doubt that the Table of Specifications (TOS) play a pivotal role in the
design of summative assessments, providing educators with a structured framework for the
creation of effective and reliable tests. Whether it is ensuring systematic construction of
assessments or maintaining consistency over the course of a student's educational career, the
TOS contributes to improved quality and fairness of assessments, resulting in a more accurate
assessment of students' knowledge and skills. Teachers should, therefore, embrace the
development of a TOS as an integral step in assessment design.

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QUESTION 2

Title: Utilizing TikTok as an Authentic Assessment Tool in Education

In today's digital age, educators are constantly striving to find innovative ways to
engage students and assess their learning in a manner that is accurate and authentic. TikTok,
a popular social media platform, has gained significant attention for its potential as an
educational tool. TikTok can be used as an authentic assessment tool, as demonstrated by five
key points that show its effectiveness in promoting creativity, collaboration, communication,
audience engagement, multimodal learning, and real-world skills development.

TikTok's collaboration and communication features provide students with a unique

opportunity to work together and develop essential teamwork and communication skills.
The TikTok platform allows students to collaborate on video creation, filming, and editing
while creating a group video or participating in a challenge. Teamwork is encouraged through
this process, as well as effective communication and coordination skills. For example, in a
science class, students can collaborate on a TikTok video to explain a complex scientific
concept. By breaking down the concept into easily understandable segments, they can work
together to ensure that the video effectively communicates the key ideas to the audience.
Collaboration allows students not only to deepen their understanding of scientific concepts,
but also to develop valuable skills in teamwork and communication that are applicable
beyond the classroom.

Secondly, one of the notable advantages of utilizing TikTok as an educational tool is

its ability to foster creativity and self-expression among students. This platform offers a
distinctive space for individuals to unleash their creative instincts and articulate their
thoughts. Through the creation and sharing of short videos, students are able to demonstrate
their understanding of a diverse range of subject areas through the creation of videos. Take,
for instance, a language arts class where TikTok becomes a canvas for students to bring
literature to life. It provides students with a dynamic and visually engaging way of portraying
scenes from a book they have read, which goes beyond traditional methods of assessing
comprehension by providing a dynamic and visual portrayal that goes beyond what they have
read. By doing so, students are not only able to convey their unique feelings, but they are also
able to demonstrate their comprehension of the characters, themes, and plot developments
within the literary contexts in which they find themselves. TikTok serves as a conduit for the

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fusion of creativity and academic exploration at the intersection of video sharing and social
media.

Thirdly, students are able to reach an audience beyond the classroom with TikTok
due to its capacity to connect with authentic audiences. Using the platform's public sharing
capabilities, students can share their videos with the broader community, encouraging
feedback and engagement. It not only instills a sense of ownership in students regarding their
work, but also motivates them to reach higher standards. For example, students might use
TikTok to create videos presenting various perspectives on a significant historical event in a
history class. Sharing these videos with the public stimulates discussion within the class as
well as encourages interactions between students and viewers, creating a dynamic and
authentic learning experience.

Fourthly, multimodal learning is a crucial aspect of educational methodologies, and

TikTok emerges as a versatile platform that seamlessly integrates various modes of
communication. With TikTok, students have access to engaging multimodal learning
experiences that incorporate visuals, audio, and text. Through this dynamic approach,
students are able to enhance their videos and convey information effectively through a broad
range of tools within the platform, including visual effects, captions, and voiceovers. For
example, students can use TikTok's features to create educational videos that visualize
complex mathematical concepts in math classes. By utilizing animations and voiceovers, they
can provide clear and comprehensive explanations, fostering a deeper understanding of the
subject matter through a multimodal lens. By integrating technology into learning
experiences, students are not only enriched, but also encouraged to explore diverse means of
expression.

Next, by incorporating TikTok as an assessment tool, educators can empower students

to cultivate real-world skills essential in navigating the contemporary digital landscape. A
variety of professions require skills such as video editing, storytelling, and digital media
literacy, which are developed through this innovative approach. In a media studies class, for
instance, students can actively engage with the platform by crafting TikTok videos designed
to analyze and critique advertisements. As a result of this process, they demonstrate not only
an understanding of persuasive techniques, but also a nuanced understanding of media
literacy concepts, which prepares them for the dynamic challenges of modern
communication.
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In conclusion, TikTok stands out as a distinctive and captivating platform that holds
immense potential for authentic assessment within education. With TikTok, educators can
unleash students' creativity, foster collaboration and effective communication, provide them
with a genuine audience, facilitate rich multimodal learning experiences, and cultivate skills
they will use in the real world. The platform's dynamic nature aligns with the evolving needs
of the modern classroom, offering a space where learning transcends traditional boundaries.
However, the integration of TikTok into educational practices necessitates a judicious
approach, emphasizing privacy, safety, and consent. In adopting this innovative tool,
educators must ensure that students' personal information is protected. In order to ensure a
positive and respectful online environment, teachers must establish and enforce clear
guidelines. With TikTok, educators can significantly enhance both learning and assessment
within the contemporary classroom by striking a balance between harnessing its educational
potential and safeguarding the well-being of students.

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PART B

QUESTION 2

Title: Enhancing Cognitive Reasoning Skills in Students: Engaging Activities for

Teachers

It is crucial to developing cognitive reasoning, which enables individuals to analyze

information quickly, think clearly, and discern pertinent details, as well as to process
information rapidly. The development of cognitive reasoning skills in students is an essential
part of a teacher's role in helping them succeed academically and in lifelong learning. In this
essay, we will discuss five engaging activities that teachers can use to promote cognitive
reasoning among their students.

Firstly, it is crucial to cultivate logical reasoning skills in students through critical

thinking discussions. By involving them in thoughtful conversations, educators can
encourage them to analyze and evaluate complex issues. To demonstrate logical reasoning to
students, they must be presented with real-world scenarios, news articles, or historical events
that require their deep understanding and application. For instance, students in a history class
might engage in discussions exploring the countless factors that contributed to an event
during that period in history. It enables them to develop a nuanced understanding of historical
contexts, allowing them to think analytically, express informed opinions, and critically
evaluate cause-and-effect relationships.

Second, it is important to include problem-solving exercises in the classroom to

enhance students' cognitive reasoning skills. The purpose of these exercises is to provide
students with a dynamic means of applying their analytical skills to solve real-life problems,
thereby increasing their knowledge and understanding. To encourage students to think
creatively and strategically, educators present challenges that do not have straightforward
answers. For example, teachers can present complex word problems in a mathematics class
that need to be solved using various methods. This method not only reinforces mathematical
concepts but also cultivates a versatile and analytical mindset, enabling students to address
challenges comprehensively and contribute to the comprehensive development of cognitive
reasoning skills.

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In addition, case studies and simulations can be extremely beneficial for students in
cultivating their cognitive reasoning skills. Teachers can expose students to scenarios similar
to real-life professional or scientific circumstances by integrating these activities into their
curriculum. Students are encouraged to analyze information with a critical eye, allowing them
to consider alternative perspectives and make informed decisions through these immersive
experiences. For instance, in a science class, students could participate in a simulated
experiment where they are tasked with analyzing data, identifying patterns, and drawing
meaningful conclusions from their observations to accomplish their goal. This hands-on
approach not only deepens students' understanding of scientific concepts but also develops
their analytical thinking skills in practical, real-world situations.

Additionally, engaging students in debates and persuasive presentations serves as a

dynamic way for them to sharpen their cognitive reasoning skills and improve their
communication skills in the process. Educators can create an environment that encourages
critical thinking among students by facilitating sessions where students are tasked with
defending their viewpoints through logical reasoning and evidence. This approach not only
sharpens their analytical capabilities but also cultivates effective communication strategies.
For instance, students might engage in a lively debate within an English class about the
ethical implications of a character's actions in a novel. This exercise aims to develop their
cognitive and communicative skills through articulated perspectives and substantiate their
arguments through compelling textual evidence, honing both cognitive and communicative
abilities.

Lastly, critical reading and writing assignments contribute significantly to

improving students' cognitive reasoning skills. If educators assign reading materials that
stimulate students' critical thinking, they encourage students to delve deeper into texts,
analyze main ideas, identify supporting details, and uncover the underlying themes of texts.
During this process, not only do students improve their analytical skills, but they also
enhance their knowledge of the topic. In conjunction with these reading assignments,
incorporating writing tasks further refines cognitive abilities. In addition to learning how to
articulate their thoughts coherently and persuasively, students also learn how to communicate
effectively through writing assignments. For example, a student in a literature class would
conduct a critical analysis of a poem. In this process, they examine the poet's use of language,
dissect nuances, and understand the impact these linguistic choices have on the overall

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meaning of the literary work. Besides contributing to the development of cognitive reasoning,
such assignments also develop skills that extend beyond the classroom, instilling valuable
skills for the future.

It is imperative that educators nurture their students' cognitive reasoning abilities to

ensure their success. In addition to the critical thinking discussions and problem-solving
exercises discussed in class, this course also incorporates case studies, debates, and reading
assignments that strengthen these essential skills, providing a comprehensive strategy for
achieving success. When teachers incorporate such activities thoughtfully, they create a
learning environment that is engaging and intellectually stimulating. Educators bear the
responsibility of providing students with the cognitive tools they need, preparing them not
only for academic success but also for navigating the challenges of a dynamic world beyond
the classroom by equipping them with the analytical prowess required.

QUESTION 3

There are several reasons why I firmly agree with Puan Aniza's decision to use essay-type
questions in the Educational Assessment course to assess students as part of the assessment
process.

Firstly, essay questions are an effective method of evaluating complex learning

outcomes. These questions require students to synthesize ideas, organize thoughts, and
express them coherently, rather than simply regurgitating facts. Essay questions are different
from other paper and pencil items in that they directly assess cognitive skills that are essential
to a comprehensive comprehension of the subject matter. The students in an Educational
Assessment course, for example, may be asked to critically evaluate a variety of assessment
methods in order to synthesize information from different sources and to communicate their
understanding in a coherent manner.

The second reason is that essay questions enable learners to demonstrate their
reasoning abilities. As teachers, we are able to gain valuable insights into our students'
problem-solving skills by not only requiring them to provide answers, but also to explain the
reasoning process behind their conclusions. As a result of this deeper understanding,
educators can identify any misconceptions or flaws in reasoning that students may have, and
provide targeted interventions to correct them. For example, in an assessment about the

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effectiveness of various assessment tools, students could be asked to not only state their
preference but also articulate the reasons behind their choices, revealing their analytical
skills.

Additionally, essay questions provide an authentic learning experience. In contrast

to objective tests which require individuals to select from predetermined options, essays
simulate real-life situations in which individuals must make decisions or come up with
solutions based on multiple options. In the professional world, employees are often required
to think critically and construct well-reasoned responses rather than choosing from provided
options. For example, an essay question in an Educational Assessment course might require
students to propose an assessment strategy for a diverse classroom, simulating the decision-
making they will encounter in the workplace.

Next, essay questions also encourage creativity and allow for diverse perspectives.
Responses to open-ended questions allow students to share their unique insights and problem-
solving approaches. In addition to enriching the learning experience, this allows for a more
comprehensive assessment of one’s strengths and weaknesses. In an Educational Assessment
course, an essay question exploring alternative assessment methods could elicit a range of
creative responses, demonstrating the depth of understanding and critical thinking among
students.

Finally, essay questions facilitate comprehensive feedback. In contrast to multiple

choice questions, essays provide detailed feedback on content, structure, and reasoning,
fostering iterative learning. Teachers can provide detailed feedback on content, structure, and
reasoning, facilitating a more iterative learning process. It is essential that students refine
their evaluation skills in an Educational Assessment course. Students can gain a better
understanding of assessment quality by receiving constructive feedback on an essay
analyzing a particular assessment tool's validity and reliability

Thus, incorporating essay-type questions into an Educational Assessment course's

assessment strategy is advantageous since it aligns with the subject matter's complex nature.
It allows for a holistic evaluation of students' abilities to synthesize information, demonstrate
reasoning, experience authentic learning scenarios, express creativity, and receive
comprehensive feedback – all of which are crucial components in preparing future educators
for the challenges they will face in their professional careers.

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QUESTION 5 (a)

An important concept in psychological and educational measurement is validity,

which refers to how accurately an assessment instrument or test measures what it is meant to
measure. Each type of validity serves as a unique lens through which a measurement can be
evaluated in terms of quality and appropriateness. Validity consists of three types: construct
validity, content validity, and criterion-related validity.

In the development of measurement instruments, content validity is an important

component, examining whether the instrument comprehensively encompasses the entire
spectrum of the construct being assessed. To illustrate this concept, let's take a look at
designing a test to assess high school students' mathematical skills. Essentially, it determines
if the instrument captures all relevant aspects of the construct it seeks to measure. To ensure
content validity, the test's content must be examined carefully to ensure it adequately
represents the wide variety of mathematical concepts taught in the curriculum. If, for
example, the test disproportionately emphasizes algebra while overlooking crucial elements
of geometry or statistics, it would not be deemed valid for its content. Therefore, content
validity guarantees that a measurement instrument provides a thorough and accurate
representation of the construct under investigation.

The concept of construct validity is one of the key concepts in psychometrics that
aims to determine whether a test accurately measures a theoretical concept or abstract trait,
known as a construct. As opposed to content validity, which focuses on a measurement's
specific content, construct validity examines whether or not the test is aligned with the
theoretical framework in which it is designed. As an example, if researchers were to use
construct validity to assess the validity of the results of a psychological test designed to
measure intelligence, they could compare the test results with other established measures of
intelligence or cognitive abilities, such as academic performance or problem-solving abilities.
It is evident from the evidence presented in this study that the intelligence test is construct
valid if it exhibits a strong correlation with these related constructs, and that it is validating
the theoretical concept of intelligence as intended by measuring it genuinely. Thus, this
process makes psychological assessments more reliable and valid as a whole.

Criterion-Related Validity is a crucial aspect of evaluating the effectiveness of a

measurement instrument in predicting or correlating with specific outcomes. It involves two

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primary types: concurrent validity and predictive validity. Concurrent validity examines the
relationship between test scores and criterion scores obtained simultaneously, providing
insight into the instrument's current relevance. In contrast, predictive validity refers to the
ability of the test to predict future behavior or performance. The concept of criteria-related
validity can be illustrated in a scenario where a company administers a test to assess job
applicants' skills. Subsequently, the company assesses the job performance of hired
individuals. Concurrent validity is demonstrated if test scores are significantly correlated with
actual job performance. Furthermore, if the same test is effective in predicting long-term
success of new hires, it confirms the predictive validity of the assessment tool, showing its
ability to predict outcomes beyond immediate outcomes.

To summarize, content validity ensures test content is adequate, construct validity

assesses alignment with theoretical constructs, and criterion-related validity evaluates the
ability to predict outcomes. For measurement instruments to be reliable and accurate, each
type of validity is essential.

QUESTION 5(b)

Based on Deale (1957, few factors should be considered that affect the validity of a test.

Firstly, the validity of a test is significantly influenced by the careful selection of

topics. It is crucial that the chosen subjects and the associated test questions accurately reflect
the instructional methods used during teaching and learning. Clarity about the intended
learning outcomes is paramount, guiding the creation of items specifically tailored to measure
these outcomes. To illustrate, if critical thinking and problem-solving were not emphasized in
the teaching process, but the test included items requiring these skills, a discrepancy arises. In
such a situation, where the test assesses abilities not addressed in the instructional approach,
the reliability and validity of the test become compromised. This misalignment between the
focus of instruction and the content of the test introduces the potential for distortion in
evaluating students' true comprehension and capabilities.

Secondly, the choice of testing techniques is also a critical factor influencing both
test reliability and validity. The specific methods selected can significantly impact the overall

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effectiveness of the assessment. For instance, opting for essay questions may enhance the
validity of the test by providing a platform for in-depth exploration of knowledge and critical
thinking. However, this choice often comes at the expense of reliability, as essay questions
tend to be less consistent and more subjective in grading compared to short-answer questions.
Moreover, assessments can vary within the category of essays, with structured essays
generally having higher reliability than open-ended ones. Therefore, careful consideration of
testing techniques is essential to strike a balance between validity and reliability. This is done
by ensuring that the chosen format aligns with the assessment's measurement goals.

Furthermore, the method of administering tests is another critical phase in the

assessment process. It involves the meticulous arrangement of items within a test, vigilant
monitoring of test-takers, and the meticulous preparation of data files derived from test
booklets. The significance of this stage cannot be overstated. Poor test administration
procedures have the potential to introduce complications in the data collected, thereby
threatening the overall validity of test results. To ensure a robust evaluation, it is imperative
to allocate adequate time for the majority of learners to complete the test. This will minimize
the likelihood of random guessing and fostering thoughtful consideration of answers. Clear
and unambiguous instructions are essential to mitigating confusion, preserving test reliability
and validity. Moreover, the physical conditions under which the test is conducted play a
pivotal role. This necessitates favorable environments with ample space, appropriate lighting,
and suitable temperatures. Independence in working conditions is paramount. Precautions
must be taken to prevent distractions in the form of movement and noise, ensuring a
conducive atmosphere for accurate and reliable assessments.

Lastly, the method of marking greatly affects a test's validity. Ideally, marking
should adhere to objectivity. However, when marking relies on the exercise of human
judgment, as is often the case with essays, classroom observations, and hands-on practices, it
becomes susceptible to the inherent variability of human fallibility. While objectively marked
items may be processed swiftly, the risk of inadvertent errors remains surprisingly high,
particularly when dealing with a substantial volume of scripts. To mitigate this risk, a robust
check system is strongly recommended. One effective approach involves soliciting feedback
from learners themselves upon returning graded papers. This not only fosters transparency in
the marking process but also provides an additional layer of validation by incorporating the
perspectives of those being assessed.

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