WEB-BASED ADAPTIVE TESTING SYSTEM (WATS) FOR CLASSIFYING STUDENTS ACADEMIC ABILITY

Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) has been highlighted as a promising assessment
method to fulfill two testing purposes: estimating student academic ability and
classifying student academic level. In this paper, we introduced the Web-based
Adaptive Testing System (WATS) developed to support a cost effective assessment for
classifying students’ ability into different academic levels. Instead of using a traditional
paper and pencil test, the WATS is expected to serve as an alternate method to
promptly diagnosis and identify underachieving students through Web-based testing.
The WATS can also help provide students with appropriate learning contents and
necessary academic support in time. In this paper, theoretical background and
structure of WATS, item construction process based upon item response theory, and
user interfaces of WATS were discussed.