ACER Accredited Masters-level
Duration
10 weeks
Location
100% online
Make your next move with a deeper understanding of modern measurement theory. With 100% online part-time study, you can complete this exciting course in just 10 weeks while you advance your career.
Led by world-renowned researcher and psychometrician Professor Geoff Masters, this masters level course will unlock the practical understanding you need to get the most from Rasch – the measurement tool used to underpin student testing globally.
Understanding Rasch Measurement Theory provides a theoretical background with a strong emphasis on building practical skills in objective measurement, statistical analysis and evaluation. You’ll learn about objectivity in measurement, how to evaluate the consistency of data and how to measure group trends and individual growth – the nuts and bolts that underpin educational assessment.
Whether you’re a research student wanting to delve deeper into measurement theory, an educational professional seeking a practical understanding of the tool behind Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT), NAPLAN, PISA and TIMSS, or a data analyst looking to build on your statistical analysis skills, this course will help you achieve your goals from day one.
ACER has been responsible for developing the methods that sit behind Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT), NAPLAN, PISA and TIMSS and has driven the use of Rasch Measurement Theory in international contexts. Gain an in-depth understanding of ACER's perspective in the use of Rasch Measurement Theory and its application in educational contexts.
Use the Understanding Rasch Measurement Theory course as the perfect stepping stone to your masters degree, or as an independent course to build expert skills for a new or advanced career.
In this course, you will:
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Build your skills in using Rasch measurement to develop valid and reliable measuring instruments
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Deepen your understanding of the role of objectivity in measurement.
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Develop your knowledge of the unique features of Rasch analysis and their implications for calibrating assessment tasks and measuring individuals.
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Learn the methods for evaluating the consistency of data.
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Discover how to use the Rasch model to monitor group trends and measure individual growth over time.
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Learn how to use the Rasch model for activities such as item evaluation, construct validation, item banking and test equating.
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Get ready to apply what you learn to a range of industries including education, health and psychology.
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Gain an in-depth understanding of ACER's perspective in the use of Rasch Measurement Theory and its application in educational contexts.
This course is designed for those with a desire to delve deeper into measurement theory. It is ideal for both education professionals looking to improve their understanding and application of measurement tools, and early career researchers looking to enter the field.
If you see yourself as an educational professional, test developer, educational research and evaluation project manager, researcher, data analyst or quantitative research methodologist, then this course is for you.
Our entry requirements are simple:
- Appropriate 4-year degree, or equivalent
- Experience or an interest in quantitative methodology would be of benefit to students
- Meet the minimum English language entry requirements: If you are not a native English speaker an International English Language Testing System (IELTS)(Academic) assessment with an average band score of 7.5 across all four skill areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing is assumed.
- Not sure if you qualify? Talk to our team – we’re ready to help.
Understanding Rasch Measurement Theory is a masters degree level course, designed and run by ACER's experts. Study the single unit course on a part-time basis over 10 weeks. With 100% online delivery, you can study at your own pace and enjoy all the advantages of learning while progressing your career.
The cost to study Understanding Rasch Measurement Theory is $2900.
All prices are in Australian dollars (AUD) and include GST where applicable.
ACER higher education policies are used to guide all postgraduate units at ACER.
How to apply
This course is conducted on demand for groups of educators that want to become leaders in assessment. Please contact ACER to discuss study opportunities.
Postgraduate news articles
With increasing use in schools and education systems of student progress and achievement data it is vitally important that more people have an understanding of the theories and techniques that are used in assessment programs such as NAPLAN and NAP Sample assessments. This course provides an opportunity for education professionals, test developers, researchers and analysts to improve such understanding.
Robert Randall, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA)
Why study with ACER?
100% online
Work online at your own pace. Our part-time, online course gives you the flexibility to study to your own schedule, on any device, anywhere in the world. Our sophisticated online learning environment is designed to provide a seamless study experience. Watch lectures at a time that works for you. Access articles and resources on demand. And connect with tutors, academic staff and peers in real time.
Dedicated support
Get personalised support from our team. We support you throughout your education, so you stay engaged and on track to complete your qualification, no matter your life and work commitments.
World-renowned experts
Make your next career move, with the confidence you are backed by the world’s best. Understanding Rasch Measurement Theory is led by internationally renowned researcher and psychometrician, Professor Geoff Masters AO. Professor Masters worked with Benjamin D Wright at the University of Chicago on the theory and practice of Rasch measurement and subsequently developed the Rasch Partial Credit Model.
Outstanding community
Become part of a vibrant community of critical and creative thinkers. Draw inspiration and knowledge from your fellow students across a diverse range of industries, including education, science, psychology and more. You will each bring real-world challenges from your field into the online classroom to examine and practice together.
Request a course guide
Our detailed course guide shows you exactly what is contained in this post graduate course and how it can be used to get the edge in your career
Course learning outcomes
- explain the principles of Rasch measurement theory
- explain the principles of item banking and computer adaptive testing
- implement common-person and common-item test equating from first principles
- apply basic estimation and fit processes for the dichotomous Rasch model using first principles
- explain the role of Rasch measurement in the construction of a learning progression.