Grading Students’ Test Score

Purpose of Grading Test ScoresThe most compelling reason why teachers grade student’s test scores is due to the reality that they have to. (AIRASIAN,1994)

Other Reasons Why Students have To Be Graded in The Examanitaion They Take

InformationalTo communicate students’ subject matter achievement

AdministrativeTo make decision regarding students’ class standing

MotivationalTo encourage students to exert academic effort

GuidanceTo identify students who need special services like tutoring and remedial instruction

Methods of Determining GradesAccording to Ornstein,1990

Absolute GradingGrading based on the normal curve

Norm-referenced gradingGraded based on the mean or average of the test scores.

Grades in the aforementioned scheme come in letters such as A, B, C, D, and F, or numbers, like 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

A teacher/instructor who is strictly following this scheme of grading based on the normal curve is expected to give 10% of his students As, 20% Bs, 40% Cs, 20% Ds, and 10% Fs.

Disadvantage –(Ornstein,1990)Error of Leniency.

Relative GradingCriterion-referenced gradingScores are transmuted to percentage rating based on minimum requirements for passing or predetermined standard, based on the teacher’ judgement.

This type of grading is premised on the assumption that a student’s performance is independent of the performance of the other students in class.

Grading using relative standards will definitely not be precise compared with grading using the normal curve because it will be easier for students to get higher grades

Form of Grades

Qualitative RatingGrades are presented in the form of qualitative description of students’ performance, such as excellent, very good, good, fair, and needs improvement.

Numerical GradeNumbers such as 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 are used in assigning grades to test scores and students’ performance.

Commonly used in colleges and universities.

Percentage RatingGrades of 70%, 75%, 85% and the

like are given to students’ test score and performance based on criteria for grading set by the teacher.

Converting Scores to Percentage Rating

Formula 1

R=50 (TS/TI) + 50

Where R = rating in percentageTS = total scoreTI = total number of items

The use of that formula is premised on the idea that a student has to answer correctly 50% of the total number of test items.

Moreover, the highest possible rating that a student can obtain here is 100%

Formula 2R = (TS/TI) + 55 + 45

It is used when the teacher sets the lowest rating at 55% instead of 50%.

It is implied from this formula that the student has to answer correctly at least 45% of the test items in order to get a passing grade

Formula 3R = 40 (TS/TI) + 60It is employed when a teacher sets

the lowest rating at 60%, rather than at 55% or 50%.

The assumption in this formula is that the student has to answer correctly 40% of the test items.

Variables to Consider in Deciding on the lowest base grade to use in converting raw scores to percentage ratingDifficulty of the testThe standard of the teacherThe standard of the school

Rough Method of Assigning Marks to Test Scores

Owing to the possibility of many students getting failing grades when their scores are not within the desired percentage of correct answers (50% 45% or 40%), an alternative method based on normal distribution of scores.

Procedures

1.Arrange test scores from highest to lowest

2.Get the highest and lowest scores.

3.Determine the grade you will give the highest score.

4.Determine the levels of ratings to be used.

4. Get the total range of the scores, using the formula R= HS – LS

5.Determine the interval of scores by dividing the total range of scores by the levels of rating.

6.Prepare a transmutation table showing the scores, with their corresponding percentage ratings. Use the interval in step 4 in determining the lower and upper limits of each class. Begin with the lowest class interval.