What is the first step in constructing performance tests?

The first step in constructing performance tests is to specify the performance. This involves clearly defining the specific skills or behaviors that will be evaluated. By identifying what is to be measured, the instructor sets the foundation for the entire assessment process. This clarity ensures that the assessment aligns with the instructional objectives and provides a framework for developing relevant tasks that accurately reflect the desired performance outcomes.

Specifying performance includes detailing the criteria for success and what constitutes appropriate or exemplary performance. This step is crucial because if the desired performance is not explicitly stated, it can lead to ambiguity in both the assessment and the subsequent teaching strategies.

Once the performance is specified, the next steps—such as selecting rating factors, preparing directions, and potentially using more than one rater—can be more effectively developed, as they will align with the specified performance goals.