Chapter 1 Objectives

After studying this chapter and completing the structured exercises in the computer module, you should be able to:

• Identify the philosophical bases of methods used in educational assessment today.
  
• Analyze a historical definition of measurement and show its relationship to current understandings of the assessment process.
  
• Define key terms associated with the assessment process: instrument, scale, construct, variable, population, assessment purposes, operational definition, measurement, assessment, and evaluation.
  
• Describe the historical and current functions of assessment in education.
  
• Evaluate current trends in education and their influences on assessment practices and responsibilities of practitioners.

The purpose of the Chapter Highlights is to help you remember key concepts. As you review the summary, click on underlined terms (terms with activated links) to retrieve glossary definitions. If too many terms seem unfamiliar or you miss too many items on the structured comprehension exercises and tests provided for each chapter in this computer module, you may want to re-read the chapter or see your instructor.