Question

How does a diagnostic test primarily differ from an achievement test?

• A. Achievement tests are low-stakes, while diagnostic tests are high-stakes.
• B. Diagnostic tests measure what a student has learned, while achievement tests identify reasons for struggle.
• C. Diagnostic tests focus on identifying why a student might be struggling, while achievement tests measure what has been learned.
• D. Achievement tests are always individualized, unlike diagnostic tests.

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Diagnostic tests focus on identifying why a student might be struggling, while achievement tests measure what has been learned.

Diagnostic Test

• A diagnostic test is a specialized assessment tool designed to pinpoint a student's specific learning strengths, weaknesses, prior knowledge, and skill gaps before or during instruction. 

• Unlike achievement tests that measure what a student has learned, diagnostic tests focus on identifying why a student might be struggling or where their understanding is lacking.

• A diagnostic evaluation helps in revealing an individual's weaknesses and strengths in a certain course of study.

• It is concerned with the persistent or recurring learning difficulties that are left unsolved by the formative evaluation.

• The main aim of the diagnostic evaluation is to determine the causes of learning problems and to formulate a plan for remedial action. 

• It plays a significant role in improving learning outcomes for all students.

• It will pinpoint the types of errors that were made along with their causes.