Sep
04
2023
The four-day short course titled," Impactful Testing: Deconstructing Exam Elements for Quality Enhancement" offered in Summer'23 cycle of Success Lab, aimed to equip participants with the
fundamental knowledge and skills necessary for developing effective tests based on assessment
principles. It introduced the key concepts in planning, designing, and developing tests, enabling
participants to deconstruct the critical elements of testing and understand their rationale and
significance. The course covered different types, uses, and effects of tests based on their
purposes and provided participants with the skill for developing valid and reliable tests to
enhance both teaching and learning.
The course employed a variety of activities to enhance participants' comprehension and
provide practical experience with the concepts taught. These activities ranged from small pen-
and-paper exercises to the analysis and development of tests. Engaging discussions explored
various topics related to testing, including the micro and macro-level effects of test washback
and the consequent need for tests that effectively fulfill their purposes.
While the primary instructor was Naureen Zaman, Shabana Ahmed also contributed to
the course by covering the development of test items, an integral aspect of testing. The
participants exhibited a strong interest in the activities and actively engaged in discussions,
resulting in enriching and meaningful sessions. Their subsequent feedback expressed
appreciation for the course content and teaching methods.