How can we ensure the value of the assessments we create?

Our understanding of the concept of validity has been developing over the past century. It is the fundamental aspect of any assessment and assessment developers must show that what is measured in a test or exam bears a valid relation to the desired knowledge and skills in the real world.

Our understanding of the concept of validity has been developing over the past century. It is the fundamental aspect of any assessment and assessment developers must show that what is measured in a test or exam bears a valid relation to the desired knowledge and skills in the real world. But it is claimed that present explanations of the concept are now of less help than they used to be because they emphasise the interpretation of assessment results, a matter over which exam and test developers have limited control. Traditionally, examinations in the UK have relied on a close link with teaching and learning communities (of vocational or subject specialists) to underpin the validity of their assessments. How can we ensure the value of assessment results by reaffirming this traditional system? Is the gathering of ‘validity evidence’ and validation by assessment experts the way to do this?

This seminar is part of the Assessment Principles series of seminars presented by Andrew Watts, a Principal Consultant for the Cambridge Assessment Network Division. The series focuses on five key topics in assessment: the purposes of assessment; the relationship between assessment and learning; the development of assessments; the validity and the reliability of assessments. Each session addresses one of these topics. Though the topics are the same each year, up-to-date issues are discussed which focus on recent news stories or which represent the latest thinking in that area. The series is for those who want to take a broad view of the field of educational assessment, in company with others working in the field. Participants will be able to share their own experiences and perceptions, and to reflect on those of others. A certificate is awarded for attendance at all five sessions (contact the Network team for details).

Dates for 2012 are:

8 March: What is the purpose of public assessments (Cambridge)
12 April: What is the purpose of public assessments (Coventry)
10 May: How can assessment support learning? (Cambridge)
12 July: Measurement or judgement: is assessing an art or a science (Cambridge)
13 September: How can we ensure the value of the assessments we create? (Cambridge)
11 October: Can the public have confidence in national assessments? (Coventry)
8 November: Can the public have confidence in national assessments? (Cambridge)

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