What advantage do criterion-referenced tests provide?

Criterion-referenced tests are designed to measure student performance against a specific set of criteria or learning benchmarks, rather than comparing students to one another. This focus on individual mastery means that the primary goal is to determine whether each student has achieved a defined level of understanding or skill regarding particular content areas.

In this context, criterion-referenced tests are highly effective for identifying strengths and weaknesses in individual students, allowing educators to tailor instruction to meet the needs of each learner. This form of assessment is particularly useful in educational settings where the aim is to ensure that all students reach certain educational standards before moving on to more complex material.

By evaluating students on their understanding of specific skills or concepts, these tests provide actionable insights that teachers can use to enhance learning outcomes and support learners at their individual levels of understanding.