Question- What are the uses of a diagnostic test?

Ans.

The important uses of diagnostic tests are :

(i) Items, units or skills which are understood by majority of students can be located and teaching can be adjusted to the situation.

(ii) Items, units or skills which are not understood by a majority of students can be located and thereafter special emphasis in these aspects can be attempted.

(iii) The causes for the difficulty in certain items can be found out for which remedial measures can be taken.

(iv) Individual weaknesses can be found out which would serve as the baseline for individual correction work and personal guidance.

(v) Such test can be used for prognosis. It would further help in providing guidance and counselling.

(vi) Diagnostic tests can be made the basis of individualised instruction. Differentiated teaching methods, ability grouping, individual drill, differentiated assignments etc. can be attempted on the basis of the results of diagnostic tests.

(vii) Diagnostic tests measure real understanding as opposed to superficial mastery on certain subject areas.

(viii) Such tests can assist the pupil in locating one's weakness which can thus be corrected with maximum ease and economy.

(ix) Diagnosis of pupil's weakness and self-discovery can lead to motivation and interest in future teaching-learning situation.

(x) Such tests are helpful in classification of the students in different categories.

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