Examining the Characteristics of Test Items in State Wide Exit Examinations - An International Comparison

Abstract

Most Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) states have installed state wide exit examinations at the end of upper secondary education (ISCED 3A). These examinations are assumed to set standards for learning outputs, and thus secure comparable results and educational quality. However, little is known about the item characteristics in the context of state wide examinations. Against this background, this PhD study investigates biology items in state wide exit examinations at the end of general upper secondary schooling in six European OECD states. Focusing on structure- and content-related dimensions by using a concept-oriented rating manual, the study shall disclose the general examination practice as well as trends concerning structure and content of the items and whether they possess more or less innovative characteristics regarding the concept of scientific literacy. By identifying good practice and innovative trends across the states, the results of the study can also contribute practically to the development of biology tasks designed to improve biology instruction.