A phrase that has come to be associated with face validity is “biased for best” a term that goes a little beyond how the student views the test to a degree to strategic involvement on the part of student and teacher in preparing for, setting up, and following up on the test itself. According to Swain (1984), to give an assessment procedure that is “biased for best”, a teacher offers student appropriate review and preparation for the test, Suggests strategies that will be beneficial, and structures the test so that the best students will be modestly challenged and the weaker students will not be overwhelmed.
It’s easy for teachers to forgot how challenging some tests can be, and so a well-planned testing experience will include some strategic suggestions on how students might optimize their performance. In evaluating a classroom test, consider the extent to which before, during, and after-test options are fulfilled.