Procedures for Improving Content Validity of Teacher-Made Tests: A Way Forward to Ensuring Quality Research and Evaluation

Abstract

Significance of validity as a psychometric property of tests in research and evaluation can never be overemphasized. Invalid test instruments rather lead to invalid interpretations and conclusions in research and evaluation. Based on this predicament, this paper sampled simple procedures to follow by teachers and researchers in constructing test items that will represent objectives of instructions and have a substantial coverage of contents of subjects or courses. It provided detailed steps to be followed in constructing table of specification as a vital component of test construction. The paper also discussed some guidelines on writing objectives and essay items. It also showcased some disadvantages of haphazard selection and writing of test items for assessment and data generation. It recommended among others that teachers and researchers should strictly follow the procedures explained setting there test items for both formative and summative assessments in schools.