subject after teaching-learning process. Second, it is one of the ways to measure the goal of achieving the learning objective. The last, a test is also a
systematic procedure to get information about studen ts’ certain characteristic.
2. Kinds of Tests
In this study, the writer focuses on the summative test which relates to her research about analysis the content validity of English summative tests for
second grade of technology major at three vocational schools that have been accredited A up to C. Meanwhile, to understand kinds of tests that are used by
the test-makers for each purpose, the writer delivers four kinds of test based on Gronlund. They are summative test, formative test, placement test, and
diagnostic test.
4
Here the following four types of test based on each purpose that has been stated by Gronlund:
a. Summative Test
Gronlund states “the summative test is given at the end of a course or unit of instruction, and the results are used primarily for assigning grades,
or for certifying pupil mastery of the instructional objectives. The results can be also used, of course, for evaluating the effectiveness of the
instruction.”
5
Therefore, summative test is a kind of test to measure the students’ achievement and the teaching-learning process of the program
for one semester at the end of course. David and Roger have a similar definition with Gronlund which say
“Summative assessments are conducted at the end of an instructional unit or semester to judge the final
quality and quantity of student achievement andor the success of the instructional program”.
6
4
Norman E. Gronlund, Measurement and Evaluation in Teaching, New York: Macmillan Publishing Co., Inc, 1981, p. 124.
5
Ibid, p. 126.
6
David W Johnson and Roger T. Johnson, Meaningful Assessment A Manageable and Cooperative Process, Boston: Allyn and Bacon, 2002, p.7.
The summative test is also the final evaluation of instruction in tests, projects, term papers, and final exams form.
7
Summative test has a meaning as an evaluation which is administered at the end of course and
experience is being over.
8
It means that the purpose of summative test is to measure the goal of a process at its completion.
9
Similarly, summative test is usually used for measuring whether the program obtained its overall goals because the summative test covers the
entire subjects unit themes and topic which are learnt in each semester. For this reason, the content of summative test should be based directly
on a detailed course syllabus and the materials used. Thus, the test makers should pay attention in arranging the content of summative test that will be
administered to the students and they should describe the objectives of the programs in the summative test.
Concerning on statements above, the writer summarizes that a summative test is an assessment to find the empirical evidence about the
effectiveness of teaching, so it should be confirmed to the objectives, activities, and instruction provided for the students. Similarly, by
administering the summative test is given for the students; teachers are not only having a final report about the programs achievement, but also the
students’ ability in acquiring the materials. Therefore, the test-makers should select the appropriate questions and the test items which can
achieve the content standards and the minimum based competencies as in syllabus.
b. Formative Test
According to Gronlund, “formative tests are given periodically during instruction to monitor pupil learning progress and to provide ongoing
7
Airasian and Russel, op.cit., p. 124.
8
Allison, op.cit., p. 65.
9
Airasian and Russel, loc.cit.
