TABLE OF SPECIFICATIONS

What is a Table of Specifications?

 A Table of Specifications is a two-way chart which
describes the topics to be covered by a test and the
number of items or points which will be associated
with each topic.

 The Table of Specifications identifies the

achievement domains being measured and ensures
that a fair and representative sample of questions
appear on the test.
 Why a Table of Specifications

 A Table of Specifications allows the teacher to

construct a test which focuses on the key
areas and weights those different areas based
on their importance.

 A Table of Specifications provides the teacher

with evidence that a test has content validity,
that it covers what should be covered.
 Constructing the Table of
Specifications
 Table is usually guided by objectives and
topics taught and covered during the term or
year.

 Bloom’s Taxonomy also guides the

construction of the table.

 Some or all areas of the taxonomy can be

used; areas can be combined as seen fit.
 Constructing the Table of
Specifications Cont’d.
 There are verbs associated with the
taxonomy which can be used to structure
questions under each cognitive level.

 Weighting increases depending on where

in the taxonomy the question falls.
 Constructing the Table Of
Specifications cont’d.
 Objectives/ concepts which account for most of
the teaching usually carry highest weight.

 List topics covered assigning them a percentage

according to time spent on the topic. Percentage
should work back to 100%.

 Determine how many questions will comprise the

test/ exam.
 Constructing the Table Of
Specifications cont’d.
 Calculate the number of questions for each
topic done.

 Assign the specific type of question you

would like to ask depending on what skill or
cognitive learning, you would like to
emphasize.
 Constructing the Table Of
Specifications cont’d.
 Some proponents stipulate that Knowledge &
Comprehension account for 30 to 40% of the
marks.

 Application and Analysis account for between 25

and 30 percent.

 Synthesis and Evaluation can be between 30 and

40 %.
 Constructing the Table Of
Specifications cont’d.
 Question construction vary depending on the
cognitive level under which they fall.

 Depending on the type of question there is a time

allotted for answering the question.
 Sample Table of Specifications

Animal Farm

Facts About the book. Characters and Thematic Elements

(e.g. Author, influence) Events
Number of
Questions 6 3 6
 Detailed Sample of a Table of
Specifications

Unit 1 Exam
Amoeba

Topics Knowledge Application Analysis or Synthesis Total

Classification 3 3 6
Structure 5 3 8
Reproduction 2 2 4
Medical 2 2 3 7
Total 12 (48%) 5 (20%) 8 (32%) 25
(100%)
Table of Specifications

QUESTIONS?
THANK YOU
THE END!!!!