Identify Students at Risk of falling Short of Peers in Science Learning

What is it about?

This study aimed to develop assessment tools for teachers to identify students at risk of underachievement in science learning. Using the national curriculum and assessment criteria as a framework, 116 test items in physical science were developed for grades 3 to 9 students and cut scores for identifying students who are having difficulties in science learning were determined. From students answers to questions, challenges that students have in learning science topic in physical science were identified, and trajectories of learning through the science curriculum were examined.

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Why is it important?

Achievement gap has been a social issue for quite a while and the gap dramatically increased during the pandemic. In order to close the gap teachers should know who is achieving lower than they can and provide students with extra support to bridge the gap. This research describes diagnotic assessment strategies for teachers to use in identifying students who are struggling in learning science. The strategy of creating diagnostic tests for those who are achiving low and planning for extra support desmonstrated in this study provides practical implications for addressing the achievement gap.

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