guidance program report

8/9/2019 Guidance Program Report

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The Interpretation and Use of

Test in CounselingYolanda Teves SobrepeaPaliparan National High School


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If knowledge of a test doesnot enable one to make abetter decision than the bestdecision that would be madewithout the use of the tests

then the test serves no usefulpurpose and might just as wellnot be given!'


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The word test has different meanings for everyone. Those who have a history of academic success may see a test as achallenge, a way of obtaining recognition andvalidation, a focus to work towards. Othershave less positive experiences of tests. Eventhe mere mention of the word can bringhorrific memories of cramming, sweating andforgetting. Some people live with the fear of not being good enough and see bad testresults as confirmation of that. Interestingly,those same people attribute good results tothe test being easy rather than anything to dowith their own ability.


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Types of Tests Achievement TestStandardized Test

Intelligence Test Aptitude TestPersonality TestTrade Test


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Test use for:Basis for admission into an educationalinstitution

Give information (individualsability,interest,aptitude and plansBasis for promotion

Basis for comparing and ranking


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Guidelines in Testing.1 Take responsibility for ethical test use

1 .1 Act in a professional and ethical manner 1 .2 Ensure they have the competence to use

tests1 .3 Take responsibility for their use of tests1 .4 Ensure that test materials are kept securely1 .5 Ensure that test results are treated

confidentially.


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2 Follow good practice in the use of

tests2. 1 Evaluate the potential utility of testing

in an assessment situation

2.2 Choose technically sound testsappropriate for the situation

2.3 Give due consideration to issues of

fairness in testing2.4 Make necessary preparations for the

testing session


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2.5 Administer the tests properly

2.6 Score and analyse test resultsaccurately

2.7 Interpret results appropriately2.8 Communicate the results clearly

and accurately to relevant others

2.9 Review the appropriateness of the test and its use


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Using tests responsibly implies that the

guidance counsellor is qualified andcompetent and pays particular care toeach of the following areas:Selection,

Administration, Scoring,Interpretation,Feedback,

Report writing,Protection andEvaluation.


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Test InterpretationInterpreting tests well is a challenge andcomes with care and experience. Themore familiar the guidance counsellorsare with a particular test, the better theyare going to be at interpreting it. It isessential that they also know the

particular construct they are measuring.


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Careful interpretation of the testinvolves considering the results in thelight of the tests limitations, how thestudent participated in the test process

as well as other factors such as thehealth of the child and culturalbackground. Obviously a student whoturns up at school two days after thetragic accident of a parent will completea test differently than if he/she hadcompleted it the week before.


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F eed-Back of Test Results

1 . Poor feedback of test results canleave a student confused.

2. Bad feedback can leave him/her demoralised and humiliated.

3. Good feedback takes time and

thought.


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P rotection of Tests

Using tests responsibly includes beingvery protective of tests themselves.Friends and colleagues may ask you to

lend them a test so that they canprepare their child for a test such as anEntrance Test. Common sensesuggests that this is not a good idea,but it can be very difficult to actually sayno unless you realise that to do sowould be a complete breach of ethics.


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Ev aluating Tests

It is very easy to get into a patternof using tests without really askingwhy. It is recommended that

guidance counsellors review their use of tests regularly.


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Guidance counsellors assess more thantest. They assess interest, motivation,persistence, enthusiasm, aptitude,difficulties, and levels of support andisolation. Sometimes tests may behelpful in their assessment. Other timesthey may not. Tests have limitations, buttests used responsibly can be a

valuable tool for the guidancecounsellor in assessing and helping astudent.


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Tests may be useful but at times itmay be in the best interests of thestudents not to use them. The keydecision of whether to use tests or not rests with the guidancecounsellor. If you do decide to usetests use them responsibly, or notat all!


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Thank You

For Listening

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