Please enable JavaScript.
Coggle requires JavaScript to display documents.
Principles of Language Assessment - Coggle Diagram
Principles of Language Assessment
Practicality
Concept: The test should be efficient, affordable, and manageable.
Connection: High practicality supports reliability and validity because the test can be applied consistently.
Relevance: Practical tests are easier to prepare, deliver, and score in classroom settings.
Example: A short reading quiz with clear instructions and simple scoring.
Transparency
Concept: Clear communication of test content, format, and scoring.
Connection: Transparency improves fairness and positive washback.
Relevance: Students know what to expect and how they’ll be assessed.
Example: Sharing the rubric and test objectives before the test.
Validity (Brown, 2010)
Concept: The test must measure what it claims to measure.
Types: Content Validity, Construct Validity, Face Validity
Connection: Reliability supports validity; without reliability, validity is weak.
Relevance: Valid assessments reflect true student ability.
Example: A speaking test actually assesses speaking, not reading or grammar.
Washback
Concept: The impact that a test has on teaching and learning.
Connection: Positive washback comes from valid, authentic, and fair tests.
Relevance: Encourages better learning behaviors and teaching practices.
Example: A writing test encourages students to practice writing more often.
Ethics
Concept: Responsible, respectful, and professional assessment practices.
Connection: Ethics is the foundation of all other principles.
Relevance: Protects students’ rights, maintains trust, and promotes integrity.
Example: Keeping student scores confidential and giving feedback respectfully.
Fairness
Concept: All students should have an equal chance to perform well.
Connection: Fairness strengthens validity and washback.
Relevance: No bias, clear instructions, equal opportunities.
Example: Tests that avoid cultural references unfamiliar to some students.
Authenticity
Concept: Test tasks should reflect real-world language use.
Connection: Increases students’ motivation and supports positive washback.
Relevance: Students can use language in meaningful contexts.
Example: Writing a real-life email or having a role-play conversation.
Reliability
Concept: Test results must be consistent and dependable.
Connection: Reliability builds on practicality. Without clear design, scores can be unstable.
Relevance: Ensures fair judgment of student performance.
Example: Two different raters give similar scores using the same rubric.