CRITERION REFERENCED TEST VS. NORM REFERENCED TEST

   

Criterion referenced test and assessment are designed to measure student's performance against a learning standard and fixed set of criteria. it is used to evaluate whether students have learned a specific body of knowledge or acquired a specific skill.  

Norm referenced tests are designed to compare and rank test takers in relation to one another. In other word, norm referenced test is determined by comparing scores against the performance result of a students of the same age or grade level, who have taken the exam.

The Purpose of Criterion and Norm Referenced Tests

Criterion referenced tests are used in many ways. Teacher use them in class to monitor the student's performance in their activities. It is also used in training programs to assess learning and the results provide a basis for determining how much the students have learned and how well the educational system is producing desired results.

Norm referenced tests are often for the purpose of course placement, program eligibility or school admission, because norm referenced test are designed to rank student performance on a relative scale.


Examples of Criterion Referenced Test and Norm Reference Test

• Multiple-choice questions

• True or False questions

• Open-ended questions

• Student's performance

• Short answer questions

Reflection and Opinion 

In my opinion, the assessments are develop to measure the student's achievement. It is used in evaluating the student's progress. The tests are an objective evaluation method that can decrease bias or favoritism when making educational decisions. The teachers and schools practicing proficiency-based learning. These assessments focused on reforming schools and improving student's achievement. 

                      

Suggestions to improve Criterion and Norm Referenced Tests

1. Criterion-referenced assessments are need based, it means that the test are created with what the students' needs are. If a student really need to improve their knowledge of proper nouns, then a test will be created on proper nouns.
2. Teachers can also create their own test which are criterion-referenced as well, tests that comes with textbook because they only test on specific areas of knowledge.
3. Norm-referenced tests can be easy to compare student's progress by giving them a simple test which consist questions that are based on the topic they have learned. They need to answer the questions based on their opinion and it will be easy to compare the students' understanding in learning.

Reference :

http://edglossary.org/norm-referenced-test/

http://www.education.com/reference/article/criterion-referenced-tests1/

http://edglossary.org/criterion-referenced-test/

http://www.brighthubeducation.com/student-assessment-tools/75048-benefits-of-a-criterion-referenced-test/