The Validity and Reliability of MyGSI in Measuring Communication Skills, Leadership and Teamwork among Malay Language Teacher Trainees

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the validity and reliability of a generic skills instrument, namely Malaysian Generic Skills Instrument (MyGSI). This study used 81 MyGSI items from the original 149 items after it was analyzed using the Gender Differential Item Functioning (GDIF). The instrument was administered on 127 Malay Language teacher trainees. MyGSI measures three construct: communication skills, leadership and teamwork by using five point Likert scale. Rasch model were used to test the validity and reliability of MyGSI because it can measure the reliability of individual items as well and be able to show results and analysis related to individual items in one similar linear column. Winsteps version 3.64.2 was used in the test instrument. Reliability index values obtained for individual construct communication, leadership and teamwork skills is between 0.86 to 0.90. The value index of item reliability for the three constructs are between 0.71 to 0.90. This study also presents an order of items according to level of difficulty according to levels agreed upon by the Malay Language teacher trainees. Hierarchy items according to increased level of difficulty indicated that MyGSI instruments proven to have high validity and reliability values to test communication skills, leadership and teamwork among Malay Language teacher trainees.