Automatic Generation of Valid and Equivalent Assessment Instruments

Abstract

Assessment is an integral part of the student’s learning process. It is essential to design good quality assessment instruments. Traditional assessment instruments rely on blueprints and random selection of items from the item bank. In this paper, we propose a method of generating valid assessment patterns automatically that satisfies the constraints provided by the instructor. Moreover, we generate a large item bank by using automatic item generation, which helps in designing equivalent, multiple assessment instruments to keep a check in plagiarism. We present an assessment instrument for a course on Design of Digital Systems that is developed using the above approach. The effectiveness of the assessment instrument is ensured by considering the validity of items.