Validity of Grade 10 Mathematics Model Exam: In Some Selected Secondary Schools in Oromia Regional State
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Date
2014-04
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The main purpose of this study was to assess the validity of Grade 10 Math Model Exams by
considering some selected secondary schools in Oromia Regional State. Thus, evidences on the
content validity and criterion related validity of these exams were gathered and analyzed. In the
study, mixed-methods research design was employed. The necessary data were collected from
the selected secondary schools by using interview, questionnaire, check-list and document
analysis. Questionnaire was administered to 31 teachers currently teach Grade 10 mathematics.
Moreover, booklets of Grade 10 Math Model Exams were gathered from the schools and
evaluated for appropriateness, relevance and representativeness of the items that were sampled
by these exams. By using systematic sampling scores of 230 students on Grade 10 and 12 Math
Model Exams, EGSECE and EUEE were also collected and analyzed. The criterion related
validity evidences of Grade 10 Math Model Exams were analyzed through correlation and
multiple regression analysis accordingly. The findings indicated that the Grade 10 Math Model
Exams had moderate criterion related validity but suffered from weak content validity. The main
reason for this weakness is that the purpose of the exam was not clearly documented and hence,
this situation leads to unsystematic preparation of the exams which results in unintended
practices in the education system. Therefore, the study pointed out some directions for possible
solutions and suggested for further research in the field.
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Oromia Regional State