Testing a primer

Testing a primer

Introduction
	Primers are based on a reading approach. For some approaches, there are suggestions or even specific procedures for testing primers. If this is true for the primer approach you use, follow those suggestions.
	If you need to create your own test for the primer you have developed, this module may be helpful.

Prerequisites

Here are some prerequisites for testing a primer:

You need to review the modules associated with Designing a test for literacy materials
You need to organize a pilot class.

See:
How to organize a pilot class

Things to do

Here are the things to do when you test a primer:

If you will not be testing the primer yourself, train whoever will be testing it.
As you teach each lesson in the primer, observe the learners' reactions to every aspect of the primer.

Note:
If someone else is teaching, sit in on the classes and observe.
As you observe, ask yourself questions about their reactions.

See:
Primer testing questions
Record their reactions.
- Record each learner's reactions, progress, and problems.
- Notice when the whole group reacts similarly to particular exercises or situations.
Observe where they have difficulty and determine the problem.
Evaluate the results of the testing and make changes in the materials or in the testing procedure as necessary.

Context for this page:

This page is an extract from the LinguaLinks Library, Version 4.0, published on CD-ROM by SIL International, 1999. [Ordering information.]

Page content last modified: 25 October 1999