Understanding the nuances between norm-referenced and criterion-referenced assessments is a practical necessity for educators. Both types of assessments offer unique advantages and limitations that can significantly impact teaching and learning. By grasping these core concepts, educators can make more informed choices that align with their instructional goals and the needs of their students. Whether it's about ranking students for competitive purposes or focusing on mastery of specific skills, knowing when to use each type of assessment can make all the difference. Norm-referenced assessments compare students to a peer group, while criterion-referenced assessments measure against predefined standards. Norm-referenced often ranks students, whereas criterion-referenced aims for mastery. Norm-referenced assessments compare students to a peer group, while criterion-referenced assessments measure against predefined standards. Norm-referenced often ranks students, whereas criterion-referenced aims for mastery. Similarities: Both are used to evaluate student performance. Both can be either standardized or non-standardized, offering flexibility in how they are administered. ‍

1. Norm-referenced
Assessment and
Criterion-referenced
Assessment

2.  There are two distinct approaches to
interpreting assessment information.
 There are Norm-referenced and Criterion-
referenced.
 Norm referenced assessment is kind of
assessment that has a goals to give a rank or
compares the student to others.
 Criterion referenced assessment focuses
on the candidate's performance of the task
against an set of criteria related to the
knowledge, skills, or attributes that the
candidate is developing.

3. Norm referenced assessment
 Compares a test taker’s abilities and
performance to other people taking the
same test.
 Rank students based on achievements of
their peers.

4. Criterion referenced assessment
 Criterion-referenced tests compare a person’s
knowledge or skills against a predetermined
standard, learning goal, performance level,
or other criterion.
 With criterion-referenced tests, each
person’s performance is compared directly to
the standard, without considering how other
students perform on the test.
 Criterion-referenced tests often use “cut
scores” to place students into categories such
as “basic,” “proficient,” and “advanced.”

5. Norm-referenced Assessment
 Final Test in English subject in High School
 Use Standardized Test
 Include more that one language skills and
elements (Reading, Listening, Vocabulary,
Grammar)
 Consider the rank of students

7. Criterion-referenced Assessment
 There is a criteria
 E.g: (Descriptive Text) Siswa dapat
membuat teks deskriptif dengan
menggunakan Bahasa Inggris sesuai
kaidah bahasa yang benar.
 Criterion: 60=kurang, 70=cukup,
80=baik, 90=sangat baik, 100=sempurna
 Know students understanding