Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) as an Instrument for Learning Assessment in Elementary Schools: A Systematic Review of Implementation Challenges and Solutions

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58230/27454312.4026

Keywords:

Digital Assessment, Computerized Adaptive Testing, Item Response Theory, Elementary School, Implementation Challenges

Abstract

Technology-based assessments are increasingly relevant in the digital era, but the implementation of Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) at the elementary school level is still lacking systematic studies, especially in Indonesia. This study aims to describe the development of CAT implementation, identify key challenges, and synthesize effective solutions based on national and international literature. The method used is systematic literature review (SLR) referring to the PRISMA 2020 protocol through four stages: identification, screening, eligibility, and inclusion, with searches on the Google Scholar, ERIC, Scopus, and SINTA databases for the 2021–2026 range. Of the 309 identified literature, 15 articles met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed using thematic analysis and narrative synthesis. The results show a significant increase in publication from one article (2021) to five articles (2025). Implementation challenges include three dimensions: technical in the form of network infrastructure and hardware limitations; pedagogical in the form of low digital literacy of students and teachers due to the elimination of ICT subjects; and institutions in the form of a lack of supporting systemic policies. Evidence-based solutions include infrastructure strengthening, intensive computer training, development of CAT systems based on Item Response Theory (IRT), and adaptive platform integration. It is concluded that resistance to CAT is more extrinsic-infrastructural than psychological. Controlled experimental research and longitudinal studies in the Indonesian context are highly recommended to strengthen the ecological validity of these findings.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Akhtar, H., Silfiasari, Vekety, B., & Kovacs, K. (2023). The Effect of Computerized Adaptive Testing on Motivation and Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Assessment, 30(5), 1379–1390. https://doi.org/10.1177/10731911221100995

Anugrah, A. R. (2022). Perancangan Sistem Computer Assisted Test (CAT) Berbasis Website Untuk Ujian Sekolah (Studi Kasus: SDN Pengasinan IV).

Anya, W., Adam, M., Halford, R., Burkhardt, A. K., Kanopka, K., Chou, C., Domingue, B. W., & Yeatman, J. D. (2025). ROAR ‑ CAT : Rapid Online Assessment of Reading ability with Computerized Adaptive Testing.

Bella, S., & Syahnaidi, M. F. (2022). Analisis Pelaksanaan Asesmen Nasional Berbasis Komputer (Anbk) Di Sekolah Dasar. 11(2), 226–234.

Ebenbeck, N., Bastian, M., Mühling, A., & Gebhardt, M. (2024). Duration versus accuracy — what matters for computerised adaptive testing in schools ? February, 3443–3453. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcal.13074

Ebenbeck, N., & Gebhardt, M. (2022). Simulating computerized adaptive testing in special education based on inclusive progress monitoring data. November. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2022.945733

Farolai, N. (2022). Pelatihan Dasar-Dasar Komputer Sebagai Persiapan Menyambut Pelaksanaan Asesmen Nasional Berbasis Komputer Pada Siswa SD Negeri 218 Congkoe. 3(1).

Goto, T., Kano, K., & Shiose, T. (2023). Students ’ acceptance on computer-adaptive testing for achievement assessment in Japanese elementary and secondary school. July, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2023.1107341

Hapsari, W. P. (2025). Two-Tiers Test Berbasis Everyday Life Activity Stimulus Untuk Meningkatkan Kemampuan Numerasi Akm Siswa Sekolah Dasar. 9(1), 129–156. https://doi.org/10.26811/didaktika.v9i1.1764

Hastuti, N. S., Sarifah, I., & Wahyuni, L. D. (2025). Penskoran Politomus untuk Optimalisasi Asesmen Pembelajaran Matematika di Era Digital. 493–505.

Hogenboom, S. A. M., Hermans, F. F. J., Maas, H. L. J. Van Der, Hogenboom, S. A. M., Hermans, F. F. J., & Der, H. L. J. Van. (2022). Computerized adaptive assessment of understanding of programming concepts in primary school children. Computer Science Education, 32(4), 418–448. https://doi.org/10.1080/08993408.2021.1914461

Huda, A., Irfan, D., Hendriyani, Y., & Sukmawati, M. (2024). Optimizing Educational Assessment : The Practicality of Computer Adaptive Testing ( CAT ) with an Item Response Theory ( IRT ) Approach. 8(March).

Imawan, O. R. (2025). The challenges of implementing computerized adaptive testing in Indonesia. 12(2), 124–144. https://doi.org/10.20448/jeelr.v12i2.6677

Li, Y., Huang, C., & Liu, J. (2023). Diagnosing Primary Students’ Reading Progression: Is Cognitive Diagnostic Computerized Adaptive Testing the Way Forward? Journal of Educational and Behavioral Statistics, 48(6), 842–865. https://doi.org/10.3102/10769986231160668

Magfirah, I. (2025). Transformasi Evaluasi Pembelajaran PAI berbasis Digital: Optimalisasi Media Quizizz sebagai Alat Ukur Adaptif. 17(1), 435–444. https://doi.org/10.47435/al-qalam.v17i1.3949

Marya Ulfha 1. (2025). Asesmen Diagnostik dalam Pembelajaran Berdiferensiasi di Sekolah Dasar: Tinjauan Literatur Sistematik Tahun (2021-2025). 8, 1115–1125.

Maulani, M. R. (2022). Implementasi Item Response Theory Model Three-Parameter Logistics Pada Aplikasi Computerized Adaptive Test. 16(1), 1–9.

Ningsih, R. P., Hidayati, N., & Mustari, M. (2025). Analisis Pelaksanaan Program Asessmen Nasional Berbasis Komputer ( ANBK ) di SD Negeri Senurus , Lombok Tengah. 10, 1920–1925.

Ogunjimi, M. O., Ayanwale, M. A., Oladele, J. I., Daramola, D. S., Jimoh, I. M., & Owolabi, H. O. (2021). Simulated evidence of computer adaptive test length: Implications for high stakes assessment in Nigeria. Journal of Higher Education Theory and Practice, 21(2), 202–212.

Page, M. J., Mckenzie, J. E., Bossuyt, P. M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, C., Mulrow, C. D., Shamseer, L., Tetzlaff, J. M., Akl, E. A., Brennan, S. E., Chou, R., Glanville, J., Grimshaw, J. M., Hróbjartsson, A., Lalu, M. M., Li, T., Loder, E. W., Mayo-wilson, E., Mcdonald, S., … Moher, D. (2021). The PRISMA 2020 statement : an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n71

Prasetya, M. G. A. (2025). A Study on the Role of Item Response Theory in the Development of Computerized Adaptive Testing. 3(8), 322–336.

Saidah, J. N., Mahmudah, F. N., & E, D. M. N. (2023). Dampak Dari Penghapusan Mata Pelajaran TIK Pada K-13 Dalam Kegiatan ANBK ( Asismen Nasional Berbasis Komputer ). 3, 10308–10321.

Sanatang. (2021). Sistem Tes Interaktif Berbasis Computerized Adaptive Testing ( CAT ). 4(1), 30–34.

Setiyowati, H. (2022). Analisis Pelaksanaan Asesmen Nasional Berbasis Komputer (Anbk) Di Madrasah Ibtidayah Negeri 9 Hulu Sungai Utara. 6(3), 803–818. https://doi.org/10.35931/am.v6i3.1086

Suryaman, M. (2025). Analisis Pelaksanaan Asesmen Nasional Berbasis Komputer (Anbk) Di Sekolah Dasar Negeri Tamansari I Dalam Meningkatkan Mutu Lulusan. 6(10), 1473–1491.

Waziana, W., Sari, D. N., Saputra, R. H., & Kusnadi, D. (2024). Pelatihan Keunggulan Digital Keterampilan Microsoft Office Pada Pelajar Kelas 5 Sekolah Dasar Sebagai Penunjang Anbk. 3.

Downloads

Published

2026-05-08

How to Cite

Siti Zainab, & Shaleh. (2026). Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) as an Instrument for Learning Assessment in Elementary Schools: A Systematic Review of Implementation Challenges and Solutions. Didaktika: Jurnal Kependidikan, 15(2 Mei), 1623-1638. https://doi.org/10.58230/27454312.4026