Educational Diagnosis - Diagnostic Test and Remedial Instruction

Educational Diagnosis - Diagnostic Test and Remedial Instruction - steps and functions

1. Educational Diagnosis- D iagnostic Test and Remedial Instruction Suresh Babu G Assistant Professor CTE CPAS Paippad , Kottayam

2. Educational Diagnosis – Diagnostic Test Educational diagnosis implies the use of technical procedures designed to locate specific learning and instructional difficulties, and if possible, to determine their causes. Diagnostic tests are those designed to identify and investigate the difficulties, disabilities and inadequacies of pupils in specific fields before they become serious problems to themselves and the teacher.

3. Definition of Diagnostic Test A diagnostic test is a test designed to locate specific learning deficiencies in case of specific individuals at a specific stage of learning so that specific efforts could be made to overcome those deficiencies . It helps the teachers in identifying the status of learner at the end of a particular lesson, unit or course of learning as to what specific teaching or learning points have been properly grasped by the learners.

4. Purpose of Diagnostic Tests Diagnostic tests are test used to find the difficulty of the students. Diagnostic tests are designed to point out inadequacies in specific skills. The immediate aim is to locate areas in which additional instruction is required or in which teaching methods have to be improved. To furnish continuous specific information in order that learning activities may be most productive of desirable outcomes. It is helpful in identifying the use of faulty, round-about or incorrect procedures, the use of elementary processes.

5. Functions of Diagnostic Test To direct curriculum emphasis. To provide for educational guidance of pupil . To simulate the learning activities of pupils . To direct and motivate administrative and supervisory efforts.

6. Principles of Diagnostic Test Diagnosis is a decision making process Diagnosis consider the whole child Diagnosis is thorough and balanced Diagnosis is a team effort Effective communication is essential in diagnosis Diagnosis and remediation go hand in hand

7. Steps in construction of Diagnostic Test Purposeful planning : This includes identification of pupil difficulties and selection of specific problem area in the learning material. Analysis of teaching units : The content is thoroughly analyzed, first into teaching- points. Each teaching point may include a number of stages. The teaching points should be arranged in the sequential order of difficulty.

8. 3. Sequential Order : Write test items representing all the minute steps out of the analysis. Arrange these items in sequential order. 4. Division of items into small sections : If the number of items will be very large, and then, items may be divided into two , three or four sections to suit the convenience of the learners. These may be administrated on different occasions 5. Clear instructions : Vary clear instruction should be given. If they find any difficulty with a particular item, them should be directed to pass on to the next item without wasting time.

9. Preparation of Diagnostic Test

10. A sample Question Paper

11. Difference Between Achievement Test and Diagnostic Test Achievement Test Measures how much a student has achieved. Purpose to measure the relative accomplishment of pupils in specified areas of learning. Consider placement of pupils in order to assign them proper ranks or grade Diagnostic Test Measure how much the student has not achieved. Purpose to discover the deficiencies of students. 3. Marks are not very important.

12. Difference Between Achievement Test and Diagnostic Test Achievement Test 4. Gives weightage to every topic in the content area. 5. Strictly observe time as a factor Diagnostic Test 4. It contains a cross section of items that reflect the various aspects of the achievement 5. Not concerned with time factor or ample time is provided

13. Remedial Instruction Remedial teaching is the process of instruction that follows immediately after diagnostic test. When once the extent nature of difficulties and reasons are known, teacher has to take steps for remedial instruction. It can be in group level or individual level depending upon the scope of diagnosis.

14. Need of Remedial Instruction To provide additional learning experiences that might help in reducing the difficulties noticed. Diagnosis and remedial instruction should be continuous and integral part of effective instruction. In order to help pupils overcome learning difficulties give students review of the topic and re-touching An extensive effort to improve motivation, correct emotional difficulties, overcome deficiencies in work study skills may be required.

15. Functions of Remedial Instruction Clarity to the pupils the specific types of responses that are expected. Provide further diagnostic information about the pupil’s difficulties and learning needs. Give the pupils a feeling of success through the use of a carefully graded series of test exercises. Enhance motivation by providing short-term goals and immediate knowledge of progress. Provide information concerning the effectiveness of the remedial procedures.

16. Merits of Remedial Instruction Learning becomes a continuous process. The learners become enthusiastic and are motivated and thus learning becomes effective. Fosters improvement in the learners achievement.