APPRAISAL OF THE SOCIAL IMPLICATION OF TESTS AND TESTING AS A BASIS FOR IDENTIFYING STRATEGIES FOR POSITIVE LEARNING ASSESSMENT IN NIGERIA.

Abstract

The paper appraised the social implication of tests and testing, consequence of mismanagement of test situation and test resul1s. The critical importance of assessmnent aud its type in teaching -learning was highlighted. Among other several objectives, it regires teachers to determine whether learning has taken place and to what extent. The need foriests and testing in schoal system was eyplored with particular mention of the empirical evidence it avails teachers for modifying their teaching strategies and measuring learners' progress andpotentials. Some ofthe ugly social implications ofiests and testing highligted include the following: untrue test of knowledge, encourages malpractice of diferent kinds, over-emphasis on paper qualification, causes high drop outs rate from failing, use of tests' results for labeling students, corruption, capable of killing talents and other grievous effecis as identified in the paper: Some measures were outlined as a way of amelioruting these negative efects. Assessment must be seen as both fair and competent; and perceived as legitimnate and credible by all stakeholders involved.