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Advantages and Disadvantages of Diagnostic Test in Education B.ED Notes
Diagnostic evaluation is a type of pre-assessment which allows teachers to assess the strengths, weaknesses, knowledge, and skills of the learners before starting the teaching learning process. Beeby opines,
“Evaluation is the systematic collection and inter- pretation of evidence leading as a part of process to a judgement of value with a view to action.”
Diagnostic assessment is used to determine the current level of knowledge and skill of a learner. It is used at the initial point to get a glimpse into the learner’s stage of learning.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Diagnostic Test
The characteristics of diagnostic evaluation are as follows:
1. It is a type of pre-evaluation.
2. It enables the teacher to assess the learner’s performance.
3. It is concerned with the past and present performance of the student.
4. It allows the teacher to assess their instructional methods.
5. Through this evaluation, teachers can understand the effectiveness of their teaching.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| 1. It enables teachers to create customized instructions. | It does not take the post learning activities into consideration. |
| 2. It is informal and easy to use. | Learners new to this can get anxious. |
| 3. It enables teachers to change and enhance their methods any time. | Teachers can develop inaccurate assumptions of the learners. |
| 4. It does not require any high level training or standardised protocols. | Special training may be required to carry out this method accurately. |
| 5. It enables teachers to share their learning with their peers. | In large groups, the importance of this assessment may be diminished. |
Diagnostic assessment is used to determine the current level of knowledge and skill of a learner. It is used at the initial point to get a glimpse into the learner’s stage of learning.
