The spelling of "Educational Measurement" is straightforward when using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable "Ed-" is pronounced with the short "e" sound /ɛ/, followed by the long "u" sound /ju/ for "-uca-", and finally the short "a" sound /ə/ for "-tional". The second word "Measurement" is pronounced with the long "e" sound /i/ for "-ment" preceded by the short "a" sound /mɛ/ and the short "u" sound /jʊ/ for the "-sure-". Therefore, "Educational Measurement" is pronounced /ɛdjuːkəʃənəl mɛsjʊrmənt/.
Educational measurement refers to the process of assessing or quantitatively evaluating various aspects of learning, instruction, and educational outcomes. It involves using various tools, techniques, and strategies to collect and analyze data related to educational factors such as knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes, and achievements of students, teachers, or educational programs.
In educational measurement, professionals aim to produce reliable and valid data or measurements that reflect the intended learning outcomes or educational goals. These measurements can be used for a variety of purposes, including assessing individual student progress, evaluating teaching effectiveness, diagnosing learning difficulties, comparing educational programs, or making data-driven decisions in educational policy and practice.
The process of educational measurement typically involves designing and selecting appropriate assessment instruments, such as tests, quizzes, assignments, or performance tasks. These instruments are administered to students or participants, and the resulting data is analyzed to yield valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the educational system.
Educational measurement employs various statistical methods and techniques to analyze and interpret the collected data. This may include measures such as descriptive statistics, item analysis, scaling, factor analysis, and statistical modeling. By applying these analyses, educational measurement strives to enhance the quality of education by providing objective and credible evidence for decision-making and improvement in educational environments.
The word "Educational Measurement" comes from the combination of two key terms: "educational" and "measurement".
- "Education" refers to the process of acquiring knowledge, skills, values, and understanding in a formal or informal setting. It is derived from the Latin word "educatio", meaning "a rearing or training".
- "Measurement" comes from the Latin word "mensura", meaning "a measure". It refers to the process of quantifying or evaluating something by using standardized tools, techniques, or instruments.
When combined, "Educational Measurement" refers to the application of measurement principles and techniques to assess, evaluate, or quantify educational processes, outcomes, or variables. It involves the development, administration, and interpretation of tests, assessments, and other evaluation tools to gauge and understand educational achievement, knowledge, skills, aptitude, attitudes, or other aspects related to learning.