can be viewed on relevant test sites such as stat.acer.org It is difficult to determine when the optimum level of information on a candidate has been obtained. Potentially, the process is unending, but realistic timelines are required. Large-scale aptitude testing – with quality test development, standardised testing arrangements, and expert psychometric analysis of response data – allows for the most efficient collection of information on university applicants. Case study: Papua New Guinea As part of wider university reforms, Papua New Guinea University of Technology (Unitech) was keen to ensure that its student selection was based on academic merit and potential only. Although school results suggested incoming applicants were good-to-high achievers, this was not always reflected in their performance once they’d commenced tertiary study. As in many countries, there were also concerns that candidates from higher socioeconomic backgrounds were often admitted into university over candidates without such advantages. The decision was made to introduce an independent measure into the selection process that assessed the acquired skills of students, developed over the course of their broader education. The Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) was selected as the appropriate solution provider, and began work on a new culturally appropriate test for the region – the STAT P. The STAT P has been adapted from the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) – a tertiary aptitude exam developed and managed by ACER and widely used by universities in Australia and beyond. It consists of a series of multiple choice tests, differentiated by client base or difficulty level, which measure a candidate’s aptitude or capacity to perform, rather than learning achievement. The test has been adapted and refined to minimise cultural bias and language issues for use in the Pacific region, and aims to be accessible to most candidates, while still providing enough challenge to differentiate among them. Following extensive consultation with ACER, Unitech endorsed a requirement for all undergraduate applicants to take the STAT P from 2016. The University of Goroka followed in 2017. Test scores are considered alongside students’ school exam results (and other assessment factors for mature applicants) to inform admissions processes and help selectors to determine confidently which
Prospective students sit their tertiary aptitude test in Papua New Guinea
students are likely to succeed at university level study. The outcome of the introduction of the STAT P will be better understood in time, as students are tracked over the coming years. Anecdotally, however, the universities have reported that the test has already helped them to improve fairness and widen access to include a broader range of people.
Marita MacMahon Ball is General Manager of Assessment Services, Higher Education, at the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER). Shelley McLean is Project Director for a number of tertiary aptitude tests developed by ACER. April 2018 Bulletin
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