Predictors of adherence to test construction principles: the case of senior high school teachers in Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis

Abstract

The study examined teachers’ test construction skills, commitment to work, and attitude towards test construction as predictors of adherence to test construction principles among SHS teachers in the Sekondi/Takoradi Metropolis. The study was carried out employing the descriptive cross-sectional survey design. The study targeted teachers who teach mathematics, integrated science, and English language, numbering 346. The census method was used to engage all the 346 teachers in the study. Questionnaire validated using IRT and CFA was used for the study. The data collected were analysed using frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviation, Structural Equation Model (SEM), and mediation analysis with Hayes’ PROCESS, with bootstrap samples. It was revealed that the teachers had high level of skills in test construction, and they were somehow committed to their work. The teachers also had positive attitude towards test construction. It was further revealed that commitment to work and attitude towards test construction do not serially mediate the relationship between test construction skills and adherence to test construction principles. However, attitude towards test construction, but not commitment to work solely mediates the relationship between test construction skills and adherence to test construction principles. It was concluded that positive attitude towards test construction is a requirement for adherence to test construction principles. The Ministry of Education, Ghana (MoE), Ghana Education Service (GES), and heads of the various SHSs, as part of their training programmes or workshops for teachers, are entreated to continue and intensify the acquisition of skills by teachers in test construction to improve their skills