A test with content validity means that “the test assesses course content and outcomes using formats familiar to the students” (Coombe, Folse & Hubley, 2007). The unity between an exam and the goals and objectives of a course is the foundation for a valid test, and paying attention to the interplay between these factors is important for all educators. For these reasons, it is important that educators understand best practices in test design, especially aligning classroom exams with student learning outcomes (i.e., the overarching goals of a course) and objectives (steps to achieve the learning goals), vetting assessments, creating strong test questions and evaluating performance results. They also determine pass/fail rates in classrooms, which can influence educator pay or promotion. For example, tests can affect whether or not students enter university or pass a class. Bachman and Palmer write that assessment developers must be held accountable for the tests they create, because those tests affect stakeholders in significant ways (2010). English language educators create and adapt tests continuously throughout their careers, but often assessment can be an afterthought in course design.
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