The document provides a comprehensive overview of assessment terminology, including definitions of assessment, testing, measurement, and evaluation. It distinguishes between formal and informal assessments, formative and summative evaluations, as well as various types of tests such as achievement, diagnostic, placement, proficiency, and aptitude tests. Key concepts of reliability, validity, practicality, authenticity, and the washback effect are also discussed, emphasizing their importance in educational assessment practices.

1. THEME ONE
ASSESMENT
TERMINOLOGY
By: Danilo Chimborazo

2. ASSESSMENT AND
TESTING
Definition: A broad term encompassing various methods to evaluate,
measure, and document the academic readiness, learning progress, and
skill acquisition of students.
The Test is a Method
A specific tool or
instrument used
within the broader
process of
assessment.
The Test Must Measure
Accuracy and reliability in
evaluating knowledge, skills,
or abilities.
Alignment with learning
objectives and outcomes.

3. MEASUREMENT AND
EVALUATION
Measurement
Definition: The process of quantifying a
learner's performance or abilities
through numerical scores or data.
Evaluation
Definition: The process of interpreting
measurement data to make informed
judgments about the quality of performance
or progress.

4. 01
FORMAL AND INFORMAL
ASSESSMENT
Informal Assessment
Definition: Unstructured,
spontaneous methods to
gauge understanding
and skills, such as
observations, discussions,
and ungraded activities.
Examples: Classroom
observations, casual
questioning, and student
feedback.
Formal Assessment
Definition: Structured,
standardized methods
with specific criteria for
evaluation.
Examples: Quizzes,
standardized tests, and
final exams.

5. Formative Assessment
Definition: Ongoing
assessments aimed at
monitoring student
learning to provide
continuous feedback for
improvement.
Examples: Homework, in-
class activities, and
progress reports.
FORMATIVE AND
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Summative Assessment
Definition: Final
evaluations at the end of
an instructional period to
measure the extent of
learning.
Examples: End-of-term
exams, final projects, and
standardized tests.

6. 2.1 Achievement Tests
Definition: Assess
students' knowledge and
skills in a specific area
after instruction.
Purpose: Measure
learning outcomes and
effectiveness of
instruction.
Examples: End-of-course
exams, standardized
achievement tests.
2.2 Diagnostic Tests
Definition: Identify
students' strengths and
weaknesses before
instruction.
Purpose: Inform
instructional planning
and address learning
gaps.
Examples: Pre-tests, skill
assessments.
TYPES OF TESTS

7. 2.3 Placement Tests
Definition: Determine the
appropriate level or
course for students.
Purpose: Place students
in classes that match
their skill levels.
Examples: Language
placement tests, math
placement exams.
2.4 Proficiency Tests
Definition: Measure
overall ability in a subject
regardless of specific
instruction.
Purpose: Assess readiness
for specific tasks or
courses.
Examples: TOEFL, IELTS.
2.5 Aptitude Tests
Definition: Predict
students' ability to learn
or succeed in a specific
area.
Purpose: Inform decisions
about student potential
and appropriate learning
paths.
Examples: SAT, GRE.

8. 3.2 Reliability
Definition: The consistency and stability of test
results over time.
Types:
Learner-Related Reliability: Consistency of
learners' performance.
Inter-Rater Reliability: Consistency among
different raters/scorers.
Test Administration Reliability: Consistency in
test administration conditions.
Test Reliability: Overall stability and
consistency of test scores.
3.1 Practicality
Definition: The ease with
which a test can be
designed, administered,
and scored.
Factors: Cost, time,
resources, and simplicity.

9. 3.3 Validity Types:
VALIDITY
Definition: The
extent to which a
test measures
what it claims to
measure.
Content-Related Validity: Test
content represents the
instructional objectives.
Criterion-Related Validity:
Test scores correlate with
other measures of the same
ability.
Construct-Related Validity:
Test accurately measures the
theoretical construct it
intends to assess.

10. 3.4 Authenticity
Definition: The
degree to which a
test reflects real-
world tasks and
contexts.
Importance: Ensures
relevance and
meaningfulness of
the assessment.
3.5 Washback
Effect
Definition: The impact of testing on
teaching and learning.
Positive Washback: Encourages
beneficial teaching practices and
enhances learning.
Negative Washback: Leads to
teaching to the test and narrows the
curriculum focus.