Assessment Instrument Examination - Essay Example

This type of exam is used in professional certification, education, psychology, military as well as many other fields. On the other hand, non-standardized tests are flexible in format and scope and also variable in significance and scope, as they depend on the person who has set the exam.

This assessment instrument was chosen because it is a universal tool that is applied in many parts of the world. Moreover, it is approved and recognized by many countries, and professional and academic bodies. The examination is also the best instrument of assessment because it is very valid and reliable. Almost every person must undergo an examination in many areas of life and hence, it is well known and appreciated by people of all races, ages, gender, or social backgrounds.

Examination, as an assessment mode started in china and later spread to other parts of the world. Though it was historically used to select people who would serve in the government, it was later applied in education to determine the skills, knowledge, and other qualifications of the candidates. Today, it is applied in schools to test students in all subjects in a standardized format. Such exams aim to test the proficiency of students in specific subjects like English, mathematics, or science. However, countries like the US do not require their students to take a standardized test to graduate but to apply for university programs only (Airasian, 1994). Such Exams, like SAT and ACT, are used to measure the reasoning skills of the student.

The other importance of an exam is that test scores or grades from standardized tests are very useful because they determine if an individual qualifies for a certain job, professional or academic program (Phelps, 2005). In some countries, additionally, standardized tests are used to manage their institution’s quality. For instance, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) applies (PISA), Program for International Student Assessment, evaluates certain knowledge and skills of students who may be participating from many countries.

Furthermore, Phelps, (2005) states that specific governing bodies use standardized exams to determine if the participant has permission to practice a certain profession, use a certain job title, or claim competency in certain set skills. For instance, a candidate who wishes to be a lawyer is normally required to successfully pass a bar test by governing bodies like a governmental bar licensing agencies. Exams are also used to regulate immigration in certain countries. In Australia, for example, standardized tests are used to award citizenship to immigrants after passing the citizenship test. Competition is another importance of exams. Tests are used to select participants who have success potential in a competition like school contests. Finally, examinations are used by social or other groups to select individuals who would join their groups. Mensa International, for instance, is a society with high IQ and requires individuals to at least score 98th percentile supervised IQ test to become members (Thissen, and Wainer, 2001).

The examination is very reliable as an assessment tool, especially in education and other professional qualifications. Thissen and Wainer, (2001) believe that standardized exams in education should be continued because it is fair and efficient, that is, it gives all participants an equal chance of qualifying for a certain profession or program. On the other hand, it promotes accountability, prediction, and selection. Furthermore more, Thissen and Wainer (2001) assess that it improves performance because every individual wants to be a winner and hence, they work hard, especially in the face of competition. Finally, it provides diagnosis and feedback on the performance of those taking the test. Therefore, it is very reliable as this feedback shows the credibility of the participants besides being used to improve the quality of education.

Through examination is an assessment instrument that is used by many countries because of its values, validity, and reliability, but it still faces criticisms from its opponents. However, minor improvements in the administration of exams will ensure its survival in the future.