Development of Quality Mathematics Test items through the Application of Classical Test Theory at the Elementary Level

Abstract

The study examined development of the quality mathematics test items at the elementary level by using classical test theory. This quantitative study employed development and descriptive methods of research. The population comprised all the students of Mathematics Grade 7th of tehsil Sahiwal district Sargodha. A sample of 100 students was selected for multi-Stage sampling technique. The researcher developed a test of multiple-choice items on an elementary-level course of mathematics. This test was used as the instrument to gather data from the respondents. Microsoft Excel was a suitable tool for item analyses for assessment used to examine the information and account the study findings. Reliability of the test noted (0.78) the test measured under the application of CTT. The validity was also ensured by discussing with 5 experts having Ph.D. qualifications. 33 items were found to be of moderate difficulty level (having item difficulty of 0.25 to 0.75), these were accepted whereas, 16 items were rejected and 6 items were rewritten for the enhancement of excellence of mathematics assessment matters at the elementary level. On the other hand, 16 items with a discrimination index below 0.20 were discarded because they failed to differentiate between high and low achievers. Whereas, 6 items with a discrimination index below 0.30 were revised because they did not adequately discriminate between the groups. 28 items with a discrimination index between 0.4 and 0.1 were accepted because they were effectively discriminating between the high and low achievers. Keeping in view the given results it is recommended that QAED academy may arrange the training for elementary school teachers to develop their tests in a standardized way. It would be beneficial for the development of an item bank.