THE DEVELOPMENT OF FORCE & MOTION ACHIEVEMENT TEST (FMAT) FOR FORM TWO STUDENTS

Abstract

Force and Motion (FM) is one of the most challenging science concepts for students. However, the instruments for assessing students’ understanding about this concept are limited. As such, this study focused on the development processes of an achievement test, specifically in this topic. Force and Motion Achievement Test (FMAT) was developed based on the Standard Curriculum of Secondary Schools (KSSM) for Science subject. It consists of 25 items, namely 22 objective items (Section A) and 3 subjective items (Section B). The FMAT was validated by 3 experts with more than 10 years experience. Consequently, 3 items were amended. A pilot study was conducted on 40 form two students, then followed by a reliability procedure through Internal Consistency with KR-20 for Section A and Split-Half method for Section B. The results from reliability analysis obtained an acceptable alpha coefficient value for both sections, which are 0.757 for Section A and 0.732 for Section B. In terms of difficulty index (p), there were 4 difficult items, 23 moderately difficult items, and 9 easy items. This findings indicate that the FMAT is valid and reliable to be utilised in any study involving the achievement test of Force and Motion topic. Future researchers are encouraged to perform item discrimination and distractor analysis to evaluate the items’ ability in distinguishing among high and low achiever students, and how well the incorrect options divert students away from the correct answer. The implication of this study lies in providing a scientifically validated and reliable instrument for measuring students' understanding of Force and Motion topic, that help teachers identify learning gaps and enhance teaching strategies, ultimately improving the quality of science education.