Tests That Work: Designing and Delivering Fair and Practical Measurement Tools in the Workplace

by Odin Westgaard

The only practical business resource available that shows you how to use tests to assess skills and values in the workplace!Loaded with figures, tips, checklists, and examples, Tests That Work gives you everything you need to use assessments responsibly and effectively at your organization.You know the effects of mediocre workplace reduced profitability, poor productivity, and diminished customer and employee satisfaction. But while you know the effects, finding the causes can seem nearly impossible. Do some of your employees need to improve their execution of basic tasks? Should some of your employees work on expanding their knowledge? How can you answer these questions?Tests enable you to find answers such as these. But many organizations are afraid to use test development and execution is complicated. Bad tests can seem punishing or offensive, and yield inconclusive or incorrect results.That's why noted consultant Odin Westgaard brings you Tests That Work, the only practical resource available that shows you how to use tests to assess skills and values in the workplace. Westgaard offers you invaluable advice whether you're developing and administering tests--or merely selecting them."Confusion has reigned in the realms of tests, testing, and calibrating human performance. Until now. This book will be on my desk -- the shelf is too far away!"--Roger Kaufman, professor and director, office for needs assessment and planning, Florida State University; co-editor, The Guidebook for Performance Improvement"This is one valuable book I won't loan to anyone. I'd never get it back! It's that good."--Kery Mortenson, senior site training specialist, Abbott LaboratoriesYou'll learn how* Test organizational attitudes* Examine test validity and reliability* Manage ethical issues related to test administration* Evaluate and report test results . . . and more!You'll use tests* discover where training is needed* determine whether training was successful* analyze an organizational culture* assess opinions and preferences* and more!Whether you're a manager who's considering using tests at your organization, a human resource development professional who's designing and implementing tests for your clients, or an educator or student engaged in the study or practice of assessment -- this is the resource for you!

354 pages, Hardcover

First published April 26, 1999

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Subtitle: Designing & Delivering Fair & Practical Measurement Tools in the Workplace.

I loved this book which I read in preparation for a work project. The author's writing style is casual, fun, yet an obvious expert on the topic of creating assessments.

The book is divided into two sections; Part One - Fundamentals of Testing (Tests, Categories of Tests and Items, Measurement, Measuring Competency, Princial Uses), and Part Two - A Systematic Process fo Test Development (Justifying the Test, Planning the Test, Developing, Producing, Evaluation, Using Test Results, Evaluating the Test).

The author also presented an excellent idea (page 153) for a Formal Test Design (similar to a design document in the world of Instructional Design), that I plan to use in my project.

The author is passionate about his topic, and protective of the test takers of the world. He thinks writers of trick questions should be murdered!

Highly recommended for anyone (in corporate or educational environments) that prepares tests!