Correct Answer - Option 1 : formative assessment
Generally, we find that students have difficulties in understanding and learning certain concepts. The difficulties vary from individual to individual, subject to subject and class to class. To make the teaching-learning process effective, it is essential to find the learning difficulties of students during instruction. This can be done by making use of diagnostic tests. The diagnostic tests consist of items based on a detailed analysis of the specific skills involved in successful performance and a study of the most common errors made by students.
- A diagnostic test is conducted along with formative assessment during the instructional process. It is carried out based on the data obtained from the formative assessment.
- A diagnostic test is specially conducted for identifying the learning difficulties and to solve them.
- For example, if it is found that a learner has not understood certain concepts in social science subject or showing poor performance regularly in a social science subject, then to help him/her understand these concepts, diagnostic assessment is conducted and remediation is provided.
- This is conducted by diagnostic remedial test.
- The key word in the diagnostic tests is an assessment of learning difficulties.
- Diagnostic test not only solves the learning difficulties of learners but also identifies and provides remedies for personal and psychological problems.
Hence, we can conclude that in the classroom situation, administering a 'diagnostic test' (not standardized) before or during instruction refers to formative assessment.
