Application-Based Test Blueprint For A Summative Classroom Assessment

A test blueprint is an effective test construction tool that ensures a more objective means of judging the students’ learning experience or performance. There are two (2) types of test blueprint namely: a test blueprint designed for formative classroom assessment and a test blueprint designed for summative classroom assessment. This paper focuses on the summative form of classroom assessment where evidence of learning is mainly to judge the performance of the students. Using a user-centered approach of development called Interaction Design Model, a simplified test blueprint has been designed using a Spreadsheet of four (4) different interlinked worksheets, namely: the test blueprint, the mapping matrix, the final exam moderation form, and the data store. The test blueprint comprises of the chapter number and chapter title, the percentage of chapter weight, the weighted mark, the actual allotted mark, and the level of difficulty (LOT/HOT ratio). The data store keeps all the pre-defined data that are necessary to complete the test blueprint such as the pre-defined LOT-HOT ratio of each course according to the nature and the level of the course. Automated values are available that shuns the user from keying the required data manually. The mapping matrix, which is prepared only after the test blueprint has been aproved, contains the following: the test formats, the number of sections of the exam, the chapter number from where each question item is taken, the Bloom’s cognitive level and the total mark of each item. The spreadsheet provides hints, warnings, and comments that may guide the user throughout the preparation of a test blueprint, as a –precursor to writing test items.