Institute of Education (IoE), Kwara State University in conjunction with the Institute of Distance and e-Learning has organised a training session for academic staff of the institution on the principles guiding Item writing for computer based tests (CBT).

The training session which had about fifty teaching staff present, was also transmitted virtually via zoom for staff who could not be physically present due to the Covid-19 pandemic protocols restricting large gatherings.

In his opening speech, the Director of the Institute, Dr Ibrahim Laro Abubakar said the training became necessary as the university is planning to take most of its academic activities online in the nearest future.

The Dean, Post Graduate School, KWASU Professor Hamza AbdulRaheem was present at the training and he disclosed that the university will soon commence computer based tests for courses with large population of students.

Professor AbdulRaheem explained that since CBT is mostly objective questions, the training session was important to familiarise the teaching staff with the process of test development and item writing ahead of the commencement of the 2020/2021 academic session.

The Dean further emphasised that multiple choice questions can be used to “elicit high intellectual responses from the students” especially if the tests was designed to cover the six cognitive level of knowledge highlighted in Blooms Taxonomy.

He urged all academic staff of the institution to improve on their test development skills as it is crucial in the construction of credible objective questions.

Dr. Idris Muhammad Jamiu, a Test and Measurement expert from the University of Ilorin discussed the need for continuous evaluation in ensuring effective teaching and learning.

Dr. Jamiu while reiterating the importance of good “test development skills”, highlighted guiding principles of test construction.

Dr. Isiaka Mope AbdulRafiu of the Institute of Distance and e-Learning, KWASU, assured the staff that the CBT will be conducted on secured platforms which will limit examination malpractice.

While giving a demonstration of how exam questions can uploaded Dr. Abdulrafiu said the examinations will be invigilated from a control room by designated invigilators.