What should instructors avoid in test design to ensure fairness?

In test design, it is essential to ensure clarity and understanding in the questions posed to students. Confusing wording can lead to misinterpretation of what is being asked, resulting in students being unfairly disadvantaged. When questions are not clearly articulated, students may struggle to demonstrate their knowledge or skills effectively, as they spend time deciphering the intent rather than focusing on their understanding of the material. This lack of clarity undermines the integrity of the assessment and does not accurately reflect the student's abilities.

In contrast, including challenging questions can be appropriate as they may help gauge deeper understanding, and balancing question difficulty is crucial to providing a well-rounded assessment. Tailoring tests to specific students can introduce bias, making it unfair for those who are not in the tailored group. Therefore, avoiding confusing wording is critical in promoting a fair testing environment that accurately measures all students' knowledge and capabilities.