THE THREE COMPONENTS OF A TEST

As I stated in my last blog, in this blog,  I will share more information on the three components of a test as I understand them. To do this, I want to examine the components (tester, testee, and test) as we experienced them during our formal education.

The first component of a test is the tester, who is the one administering the test. This tester usually prepares the testee for a test by sharing material in advance of the test. Also, the tester may use various tools to accomplish this goal of learning. During the test, the tester is present and silent; he/she will not engage you in conversation; there is no talking by either tester or testee. The result of the test provides the tester with knowledge concerning the testee’s skills, aptitude, fitness, and comprehension. With this information, the tester will make a decision on the advancement of the testee.

The tester in this blog series is God who is omniscient; therefore, the test is not to reveal anything to Him but rather for the testee’s enlightenment and feedback. God has provided His Word, which contains instructions to allow the testee to successfully pass the test if he/she adheres to the guidelines. In biblical times the commandments, laws, and statutes of God were sometimes hidden, and if not previously, taught or shared with the people they were ignorant concerning God’s principles. Fortunately, success is available for most of us present-day believers because we always have an open book exam. As we go through our time of testing, we can still search the Word for answers. It may cost us time, pleasure, and comfort, but the reward and result will be worth it all.

The next component is the testee, who is the person taking the test. The age of the testee can vary, and this will also determine the severity of the test. It is the responsibility of the testee to study and prepare for the test utilizing the teaching materials and tools offered to them. During the teaching and learning period, the testee can ask questions. However, once the test begins, communication with the tester is halted. Usually, if a testee is talking during a test it is because they do not understand the test, they need clarification, or they are trying to cheat. Engaging in any of these practices can result in failure of the test.

For this series, the testee who is taking the test will either be a person or nation. I will share with you the lives of biblical personalities and how they handled their test. Prayerfully, we will learn from their success and failures.

The final component is the test which is the instrument used to see if the information previously given was successfully learned, and it can vary in style, duration, intensity, location, requirements, and frequency. The result of the test determines if you graduate. If you fail, you are detained in the same grade another year and you are given the same test over again. The tester will use the same standard curriculum; it is not new, and your promotion depends solely on you learning the old material. Also, at the beginning of the school year, a tester may give a pre-test which will reveal what you already know, and at the end of the year, a post-test is given to determine if the testee has retained any knowledge from the year’s work. So testing can happen at any time, and it pays to be alert and ready.

I hope the above information has been informative. In closing this blog, an excellent principle to learn is: PREPARATION FOR A TEST IS PARAMOUNT AND CAN BE THE KEY TO YOUR SUCCESS.