Primary Trait Analysis: A Tool for Classroom-Based Assessment

Abstract

The article describes Primary Trait Analysis (PTA) as a technique for instructors interested in classroom-based assessment. The study continues with the history of PTA at Raymond Walters College (RWC) and explains how RWC faculty developed PTA scales to communicate learning objectives and evaluative criteria to students. The article provides several specific scales as examples. This work demonstrates that PTA can be easily adopted in any classroom to improve teaching and learning.