ISSUES IN ITEM BANKING

An item bank is defined as a relatively large collection of easily accessible test questions. A wide variety of item bank schemes that meet this relatively unrestricted definition is illustrated. Advantages and disadvantages of item banking and the conditions under which item banks have the most potential value are identified. An extensive list of questions to be asked in designing item banking systems is provided. The following five questions were singled out for further discussion: How many items should be in the bank? Should users develop their own item collections or use the collections of others? How should the items be classified? Should items be calibrated? Will each test have different items or will the same test be administered to all?