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Evaluating the Psychometric Quality of Classroom English Assessments through the Rasch Model

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DOI: 10.23977/langl.2025.080502 | Downloads: 0 | Views: 17

Author(s)

Jiayun Xue 1, Meihua Chen 1, Jiayi Su 2

Affiliation(s)

1 School of Foreign Languages, Southeast University, No. 2, Southeast University Road, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211189, China
2 Wujiang Yunlong Experimental School Affiliated to Shanghai WFL Education, No. 555, Huxin West Road, Wujiang District, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215299, China

Corresponding Author

Meihua Chen

ABSTRACT

This study applied Rasch modeling to evaluate the psychometric quality of a regional middle school English assessment. Data were drawn from a stratified cluster sample of 598 seventh-grade students across seven schools. Analyses included item fit statistics, separation indices, a Wright map to examine how well the test measured student ability and distinguished proficiency levels. Results showed strong reliability and good model-data fit, with most Infit and Outfit MNSQ values within acceptable ranges. The test was well targeted for average students but contained few very difficult or easy items, limiting precision at the extremes. Content analysis also revealed redundancy in items testing similar vocabulary and grammar. To improve measurement efficiency and fairness, the study recommends adding both challenging and easier items and refining overlapping content. The findings demonstrate the value of Rasch analysis in guiding evidence-based improvements to classroom-based language assessments.

KEYWORDS

Rasch Model; English Test; Middle School English; Test Quality Analysis

CITE THIS PAPER

Jiayun Xue, Meihua Chen, Jiayi Su, Evaluating the Psychometric Quality of Classroom English Assessments through the Rasch Model. Lecture Notes on Language and Literature (2025) Vol. 8: 6-13. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.23977/langl.2025.080502.

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