Choosing people to take literacy materials tests

The literacy materials you test determine what people you choose to take the tests.

In these modules, "taking tests" refers to looking at or using materials and giving feedback to the person administering the test. The term "testing materials" has not been used because it confuses the issue of who is asking for feedback and who is providing the feedback.

Here are some guidelines to follow when you choose people to take literacy materials tests:

• Choose people according to your testing goals.

  Examples
  • When you want to determine whether a text is appropriate and natural, choose almost any mother-tongue speaker.
  • When you want to test the content of a primer, choose current and potential literacy students from the local population.
• Look for variety in age, sex, and educational background when you choose people.
• Choose people from various parts of the language area.

• Choose groups to take some kinds of tests.

  Reason:

  Group interaction may give the test administrators insight and feedback that they would not get from individuals.

• Choose individuals to take some kinds of tests.

  Reason:

  It is easier for test administrators to observe how they handle and use the materials, and to ask specific questions.

• Task module: Choosing people to take literacy materials tests
• In task module: Testing and evaluating literacy materials, by Trudy K. Stewart (contributor) and Leah B. Walter (compiler)
• In task module: Evaluating components of a program, by Julia R. Van Dyken (contributor) and Stephen L. Walter (contributor)
• In task module: Implementing a literacy program, by Carole P. Spaeth (compiler)
• In modular book: Implement a literacy program, by Carole P. Spaeth (compiler) and Leah B. Walter (compiler)
• In bookshelf: Literacy

This page is an extract from the LinguaLinks Library, Version 4.0, published on CD-ROM by SIL International, 1999. [Ordering information.]

Page content last modified: 25 January 1999

© 1999 SIL International