WEEK 2 Disc 1: Tests of Knowledge and Skill

Prior to beginning work on this discussion forum, read Chapter 6 by Russell (2010) in the Handbook of Workplace Assessment text.

Organizations have been using assessments of knowledge and skill for many years to determine potential aptitude or qualification for a specific pursuit. For example, aptitude tests have some established predictability regarding who might be successful in a given job or career. Tests of knowledge may be useful in determining who is eligible to practice in a certain vocational capacity, such as a CPA or a licensed engineer.

In an initial post of at least 350 words and citing at least two scholarly sources,

• Analyze the applicability of assessing for knowledge and skills as described by Russell (2010).
  • Differentiate between measures of declarative knowledge and measures of procedural knowledge and skills, defending when each may be appropriate for job selection.
  • What are the challenges of using each of these types of measures?
• Describe the linkage between competency modeling and job analysis.
  • Defend ways assessments can be used to support the analysis of required competencies for a position.
  • Propose how tests of knowledge and skills play a part in competency modeling and job analysis.
• Describe when, and under what conditions, competency modeling and job analysis are most effective as strategic tools.

Tutorial for Tests of Knowledge and Skill