What does the term "adaptive" refer to in the context of testing?

In the context of testing, the term "adaptive" refers to the ability to deliver questions that are particularly suited to a student's skill level. This approach tailors the assessment experience to individual learners, providing questions that are neither too easy nor too difficult based on their demonstrated knowledge and abilities. By adjusting the difficulty of the questions in real-time, adaptive testing can offer a more personalized evaluation, allowing for a more accurate measurement of a student’s capabilities. This method recognizes that learners have diverse strengths and learning paces, making it a more effective tool for identifying areas of proficiency and those needing improvement.

The adaptiveness in testing enhances engagement and can lead to more valid interpretations of a student's learning status, enabling educators to better support their development.