TABLE OF SPECIFICATIONS-kimmy albunag

TABLE OF SPECIFICATIONS

A table of specification is a table chart that breaks down the topics that will be on a test and the amount of test questions or percentage of weight each section will have on the final test grade. This kind of table chart is usually split into two charts, and each sub topic is numbered under the main topics that are being covered for the test. This type of table is mainly used by teachers to help break down their testing outline on a specific subject. Some teachers use this particular table as their teaching guideline by breaking the table into subjects, the teachers’ main points, how much time should be spent on the point, and what assignment or project can be done to help the student learn the subject. For many teachers, a table of specification is both part of the process of test building and a product of the test building process. This table provides teachers and their students with a visual approximation of the content that will tested and the amount of weight it is given on a test. As part of the entire teaching process, many education experts advise constructing a table of specification early in the lesson plan building process in order to ensure that the content of lessons and projects match what will ultimately appear on the test. By offering students the opportunity to view a table of specification, teachers offer their students the opportunity to view a certain kind of rubric against which they will be graded. This opportunity allows students to have full knowledge over what they will be tested over and which sections or topics of their study will be tested. According to some educators, the table of specification is just as important for the students as it is for their teachers.

HOW TO PREPARE A TABLE OF SPECIFICATIONS

The Table of Specifications is a blueprint for the preparation of an exam.  It serves as the “map” or guide to assigning the appropriate number of items to topics included in the course or subject.  The following is a simplified method of preparing a Table of Specifications.

1.    List all the topics that are included in the subject or course.

2.    Assign corresponding percentages based on the professional requirements or institutional requirements.  Below is an example:

Subject- CLINICAL CHEMISTRY 2

Topics included:

a.    Automation-20%

b.    Electrolytes-15%

c.    Enzymology-25%

d.    Endocrinology-20%

e.    Toxicology-20%

This gives a total of 100%

3.    Decide on the number of items that you would like the test to be.  Let’s say you wanted a 160 item-test; the number of items per topic would then be:

   a. automation - 20 % - 32
b. electrolytes - 15 % - 24
c. enzymology - 25 % - 40
d. endocrinology - 20 % - 32
e. toxicology - 20 % - 40

This gives a total of 160 items.

4.    Assign the specific type of question you would like to ask depending on what
skill or cognitive learning, you would like to emphasize. 

For example, you would
like to emphasize the principles in automation, then you may prepare the
questions this way:

a. automation - 32 items

Essay = 10 questions
Identification = 12 questions
Multiple choice = 20 questions

This gives a total of 32 items.
This also is done with the rest of the topics.