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Approaches in language testing, SITI RADHIAH BINTI ADNAN, SITI NUR…
Approaches in language testing
Similarities
Use of language; in context & functional 2.learners-centered approach
Integrative approach
Characteristics
It involves the testing of language in context and most concerned with meaning and the total communicative effect of discourse
It is concerned with a global view of proficiency
It involves functional language but not the use of functional language
The use of cloze testing, dictation, oral interview, transition and essay writing
Principles
It is intended to provide an authentic language environment for learners to develop language skills in a meaningful context
It builds new learning upon students' prior knowledge
It focuses on learning as process whereby learners have ample opportunities to understand and practice the presented concepts
Errors are treated as part of the learners' learning process
Teachers provide a low-anxiety environment that allows learners to take risks
Corrections are made through modelling from learners or peers
Strengths
Enabling students to demonstrate learning against programme level outcomes more readily than through atomised modular assessment regime
Enabling the evidencing of knowledge and understanding with breadth and depth of the subject.
Enhancing communication
Eradicating barriers between teachers and students
Encouraging students centered approaches (group work)
Can view students' proficiency in global view
The strength of the test such as dictation, writing, and cloze test is that relatively cheap and easy to make
Weaknesses
Demands much supervision from the teacher
Difficult to plan and implement
Even if measuring integrated skills are better but sometimes teacher should consider the importance of measuring skills based on particular need, such as writing only, speaking only
The scoring is not efficient and not reliable
Examples
Cloze test involves taking an authentic reading passage and removing words from it. Which words remove depends on the test creator. Normally, it is every 6th or 7th word but it could be more or less or only the removal of key vocabulary. In addition, sometimes potential words are given to the student to select from or sometimes the list of words is not given to the student.
Dictation is simply writing down what was heard. This also requires the use of several language skills simultaneously in a realistic context
Communicative Approach
Strengths
Adaptable to any age and level
Students will be able to see the relevance of a test like this because they can see themselves carrying out similar tasks in the real world
Teachers will have a better idea of their students’ overall communicative ability
Weaknesses
May be more difficult for teachers to assess; no clear correct or incorrect answers as there are with True/False questions, for example.
Instead the teacher will need to use their experience and common sense to assess each student on the extent to which they have achieved their communicative aim.
Difficult to set up as the teacher will need to come up with a relevant test for their students.
There are time constraints as the teacher will need to witness each student carrying out the task in order to be able to assess each individual.
Principles
Start from somewhere:
Test makers must state clearly what they expect test takers to perform
Concentration on content :
Task should be constructed based on the testers' relevant needs
Bias for best :
Test makers should create a test that can exploit test takers' performance at their best
Working on washback :
Test writers should create clear scoring criteria for both teachers and test takers. Course objective & test content are put in considerations to promote positive washback.
Examples of assessments
Deciding with a friend which movie to watch
Ordering food at a restaurant
Giving suggestions to a friend who has asked for advice
Giving a PowerPoint presentation in a business meeting
Asking for information over the phone
Characteristics
Based on learners' needs
Use in concern on how people actually use the language for various purpose
Primary concern in with how language is used in communication
The attempt to measure different language skills in communicative tests based on a view (language referred to as the divisibility process)
Cover 4 language skills & designed on the basis of communicative competence.
SITI RADHIAH BINTI ADNAN, SITI NUR SYAHIRAH BINTI MOHD TOREK