Question- What are the functions of a diagnostic test?

Ans.

According to Cook (1951), following are the functions of a diagnostic test :

(i) To direct curriculum emphasis by :

(a) Focussing attention on anyone of the important ultimate objectives of education as possible.

(b) Clarifying educational objectives both to teachers and pupils.

(c) Determining elements of strength and weaknesses in the instructional programme of the school. 

(d) Discovering inadequacies in curriculum, content and organization. 

(ii) To provide for educational guidance of pupils by: 
(a) Providing basis for the preliminary grouping of pupils in each learning area. 
(b) Discovering special aptitude and disabilities. 
(c) Determining the level of problem solving ability in various areas. 

(iii) To stimulate the learning activities of pupils by: 
(a) Enabling pupils to think of their achievements in objective terms. 
(b) Enabling pupils to complete with their past performance record. 
(c) Measuring achievements objectively in terms of accepted educational standards rather than the subjective view point of the teacher/s. 

(iv) To direct and motivate administrative and supervisory efforts by: 
(a) Enabling teachers to discover the areas in which they need supervisory aid. 
(b) Providing the administrative and supervisory staff an overall measure of the effectiveness of the school organisation and supervisory policies.

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