Abstract:
The study assessed the extent to which lecturers applied principles of test
construction and administration in the University of Cape Coast. The
descriptive survey design was used for the study. The census sampling
procedure was used to include 131 lecturers in four faculties/schools and 40
Examinations Unit staff in the University of Cape Coast for the study. Seven
research questions guided the study. A 67-item and 14-item questionnaires for
lecturers and Examinations Units were used for data collection. The
Cronbach’s coefficient alpha for the lecturers and Examinations Unit
questionnaires were 0.73 and 0.70 respectively. The results showed that, to a
great extent, lecturers were aware of the test construction principles. Lecturers
indicated that they defined the purpose of every test prior to construction,
determined the test items format and prepared marking scheme as soon as test
items were written. Again, it was found out that lecturers were aware of the
test administration principles. Students were made aware of the rules and
regulations governing the test during test administration. The study also
showed that lecturers had difficulty in controlling large classes during quizzes
and examinations. It is recommended that lecturers are given timely in-service
training on test item construction and administration. Furthermore, university
management should allocate funds for workshops, seminars and others for
lecturers on test item construction and administration.
