Introduction:
Imagine you're building a house. You wouldn't start laying bricks without a
blueprint, would you? A Table of Specifications (TOS) is like that blueprint for your
tests. It ensures your test is solid, covers everything it needs to, and allocates
the right amount of weight to each part.
Step 1: Select Your Learning Outcomes
Look at your syllabus and identify the key learning points. These are
your goals. Decide which ones are most important and need more focus.
Make sure they align with your course standards.
Step 2: Outline Your Subject Matter
Break down your subject into big chunks called topics. Divide each
topic into smaller parts called subtopics. Organize them in a logical
order, just like the chapters in a book.
Step 3: Decide on the Number of Items
Think about the importance of each subtopic. Assign a number of test items to
each based on its weight. Consider the difficulty level of each subtopic. Make
sure you cover everything in your test.
Step 4: Construct Your Format
Create a table with columns for:
Learning Objectives
Subtopics
Number of Items
Item Types (e.g., multiple choice, short answer, essay)
Cognitive Levels (e.g., knowledge, comprehension, application)
Fill in the table with specific details for each part.
Step 5: Construct Your Test Items
Make sure each question directly relates to a specific learning objective.
Use different types of questions to test different skills. Create questions
that vary in difficulty. Avoid confusion in your questions. Proofread carefully
to catch any errors.
Conclusion:
Review your TOS thoroughly. Make sure it accurately reflects your course
objectives. Make any necessary changes. A well-crafted TOS is essential for
creating fair and effective assessments.
