Discusses cognitive processes readers engage in when comprehending instructional text and identifies familiar devices utilized by authors of instructional materials to support each of these processes. Included are appropriate vocabulary and sentence syntax use for intended audience; listing instructional objectives; and use of hierarchical…

This paper describes major concepts related to item analysis for criterion-referenced tests including validity, reliability, item difficulty, and item discrimination, particularly in relation to criterion-referenced tests. The paper discussed how these concepts can be used to revise and improve items and listed suggestions regarding general…

This study examined the effects of linguistic simplification of fourth and sixth grade science test items on a state assessment on the achievement of English language learners, those of limited English proficiency (LEP). At each grade level, 4 parallel 10-item testlets were included on an operational statewide assessment. On each testlet, items…

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether students expected course difficulty to be reflected in grade distributions and in the amount of out-of-class effort required for success. Students from both upper and lower division classes described the amount of time they expected to spend preparing for an easy class, a difficult class, and a…

Author discusses and defines criterion tests in the context of classroom needs that have created much of the interest in the theory at this time. The primary source of interest is related to the growing implementation of individualized curricula. (Author/CB)

A set of 19 visual perceptual tasks was administered to six- to eight-year-old children, in order to differentiate three visual factors (visual synthesis, visual analysis, and perceptual speed) according to perceptual and conceptual complexity. The association between these perceptual measures, reading, and arithmetic was also assessed.…

Reading and listening comprehension tasks were combined in exercises using related printed and taped texts. Linking the tasks enables the student to use whichever skill is stronger to boost performance in the weaker skill. The technique is outlined and methods of adapting it to other teacher situations are discussed. (MSE)

Students evaluated their learning experience in terms of course valuing, content learning, personal learning, and behavioral learning. Significant differences were found between the two courses, with higher ratings for the more difficult. Limited but significant correlation with attainment measures was found, higher for continuous assessment than…

Adults' ability to track a moving target was examined in two experiments in order to compare their performance with that of very young infants. Results indicated that (1) adults'"overshoot" errors resembled those reported for young infants; and (2) adults had problems tracking a moving target which unexpectedly changed direction. (Author/DB)

A 100-item five-choice multiple choice (MC) biology final exam was converted to multiple choice true-false (MTF) form to yield two content-parallel test forms comprised of the two item types. Students found the MTF items easier and preferred MTF over MC; the MTF subtests were more reliable. (Author/GK)