If an exam is found to be unreliable, what process should be initiated?

When an exam is identified as unreliable, it is crucial to conduct a validation and review of the exam to investigate the underlying issues affecting its reliability. This process includes evaluating the clarity of the questions, the alignment of questions with the intended learning outcomes, and the overall structure of the exam. If certain questions are ambiguous or do not accurately assess the knowledge and skills that they are supposed to, adjustments can be made to improve the exam’s reliability.

By reviewing and validating the exam, educators can identify specific areas that may lead to inconsistencies in student performance, ensuring that the exam accurately reflects the proficiency of the participants. This reflective practice not only helps in making improvements to the current exam but also aids in future exam development by instituting best practices for assessment design, thus enhancing the overall effectiveness of the educational program.