Identifying Item Difficulties of Pre-test using Rasch Measurement Model: A Case Study

摘要

In the Faculty of Engineering & Built Environment (FKAB), UKM, there has been some concern raised among the academicians regarding the poor performance of first year engineering students in mathematical subjects. A pre-test exam was designed to gather early information on student's ability in mathematics at early stage to assist the lecturers along the way. The purpose of this study is to identify the item difficulties in the Pre-test using the Rasch Measurement Model based on students' pre-university backgrounds. The results provide the details of group-specific item parameters for two latent groups in this study that would guide the lecturers in providing necessary remedial actions for the respective students. This study reveals that the students who graduated from the Matriculation have found that most questions of the first part of the test was easier whereas those who completed their Malaysian High School Certificate (STPM) have found that most of the second part of the test was easier. The results also show that most of the students from Matriculation perform less than expected while most of the students who completed their STPM are able to answer the pre-test very well and altogether, perform better than expected.