Assessing Test Construction and Administration Practices Among Lecturers of Tertiary Institutions in Taraba State, Nigeria

This study assessed the test construction knowledge and administration practices among lecturers of tertiary institutions in Taraba State, Nigeria. The study adopted descriptive research design. The population of the study comprised of all academic staff members of tertiary institutions in Taraba State, and a sample of 420 lecturers was drawn using stratified and simple random sampling techniques. Four research questions were raised, and three hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Data were collected through a researchers’ design questionnaire titled Lecturers Test Construction Knowledge and Administration Practices Scale (LTCKAPS). The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings of this study revealed that the extent of test construction knowledge and administration practices among lecturers of tertiary institutions in Taraba State, Nigeria, is averagely positive. It was also indicated that gender does not significantly influence the test construction knowledge and administration practices of lecturers, but qualification/professionalism significantly influences lecturers’ test construction knowledge and administration practices in tertiary institutions in Taraba State, Nigeria. And years of experience do not significantly affect the test construction knowledge and administration practices of lecturers of tertiary institutions in Taraba State, Nigeria. In view of the findings of this study, conclusions were made and it was recommended that government should organize regular seminars and workshop for the lecturers on how to construct valid and reliable tests. Regular evaluation should be put in place by the state government and test and regular evaluation should be put in place by state government, test experts to ensure that reliable and valid tests are developed to have unbiased assessment of students.