Abstract:

In this research it was aimed to develop a conceptual framework for understanding prospective students’ subjective perceptions on test concept. Study group of this research is 199 students enrolled in a Teacher Certificate Program at a university in Turkey. When the studies are examined, it has been found out that there was not any study have examined the metaphorical constructions of tests from the viewpoint of prospective teachers. In this research, data were collected from prospective teachers through metaphors. Prospective teachers were demanded to write their thoughts on test concept. The metaphors on test concept were collected and evaluated. In sum, results of this study show that student’s perceptions on test concept are positive and negative. The prospective teachers in this study were created 92 different metaphors totally. Dominant metaphors are life (f=12), gambling game (f=6) and labyrinth (f=6). These metaphors were organized into seven themes, namely mediator, ambiguity, disappointment, result, anxiety factor, selection and complexity. The popular theme was “selection”.

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