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Pre-test 3
Why do we test?
Purpose of tests?
Types of assessments?
Types of measurements?
Types of language tests?
Dr Lee
Why test?
Dr Lee
Why test?
Dr Lee
A. Types of tests
Just as there are many purposes for which language
tests are developed, so there are many types of
language tests.
Some types of tests serve a variety of purposes while
others are more restricted in their applicability.
There is some confusion regarding the terminology used
to denote the different types of language tests in use.
Most test specialists, however, agree on the following
broad divisions: achievement tests, proficiency tests,
aptitude tests, diagnostic tests and placement tests
Try to define the differences among them.
Dr Lee
Types of tests
1. Progress Test
Purpose - to find out how well the students have
mastered the language areas and skills which
have just been taught. Looks back at what
students have achieved.
2. Achievement Test
Like progress test but it is usually designed to
cover a longer period of learning than a progress
test. It is usually given at the end of the school
year/the course.
Dr Lee
Types of tests
3. Diagnostic Test
The purpose is to help check students progress for
specific weaknesses and problems they may have
encountered.
Just as it is necessary for doctors to diagnose an
illness in order to cure their patients, so teachers must
diagnose problems in order to teach effectively.
4. Placement Test
Enables teachers to sort students into groups
according to their language ability at the beginning of
the course.
Looks forward to the language demands which will be
made on students during the course.
Dr Lee
Types of tests
5. Proficiency Test
Used to measure how suitable candidates will be for
performing a certain task or follow a specific course.
The test looks forward to the actual ways in which
candidates will use English in the future.
Unlike achievement test, a proficiency test is not
concerned with comparing the degree of success
someone may have in doing something.
6. Aptitude test
Used to predict the success or failure of students
prospective in a language-learning programme. Usually
used as a screening instrument in langange testing
Dr Lee
B. Formative vs Summative
Assessment
Think of the differences
What?
When?
Which type of tests are usually used in
Formative and Summative assessment?
Dr Lee
Formative Assessment
Is used to monitor learning progress during
instruction.
purpose - to provide continuous feedback to
both student and teacher concerning learning
successes and failures.
Feedback to students provides reinforcement
of successful learning and identifies the
specific learning errors that are in need of
correction.
Feedback to the teacher provides information
for modifying instruction and for prescribing
group and individual work.
Dr Lee
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Summative Assessment
typically comes at the end of a course (or
unit) of instruction.
Designed to determine the extent to which
the instructional goals have been
achieved
Is used primarily for assigning course
grades /for certifying student mastery of
the intended learning outcomes.
Dr Lee
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NRT VS CRT
Norm-referenced Test
A test designed to provide a measure of
performance that is interpretable in terms of an
individuals relative standing in some known group.
(e.g. typed better than 90 percent of the class
members)
Criterion-Referenced Test
A test designed to provide a measure of performance
that is interpretable in terms of a clearly defined and
detailed domain of learning tasks. (e.g. typed 40 words
per minute without error)
Read the notes on - The Great Divide -- NRTs and
CRTs
Dr Lee
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CRT VS NRT
These two types of tests are best viewed as the ends of
a continuum, rather than as a clear-cut dichotomy. As
shown in the following continuum, the CRT emphasizes
description of performance and the NRT emphasizes
discrimination among individuals.
CRT
COMBINED TESTS
Description of
performance
Dual Interpretation
Dr Lee
NRT
Discrimination among
individuals
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Post-test 3
Why do we test?
Purpose of tests?
Types of assessments?
Types of measurements?
Types of testing?
Dr Lee
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Conclusion
1. Introduction to basic concepts in LTA
2. Relationships between teaching,
testing, and learning
3. Types of tests and assessments
Dr Lee
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Tutorial Tasks
1. Why do we test our Learners?
The question Why do we test our learners? may look
very simple and obvious. But think about it carefully and
you may find that there are several different answers.
Begin by making some notes yourself and then discuss
your thoughts about the question with other people in
your group. Prepare a group response.
Dr Lee
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Tutorial Tasks
2.What Do We Look for in a Good
Language Test?
How can we tell whether a test is a good
one or not?
Follow the same procedure make your
own notes, discuss your ideas with other
people in your group, and then prepare a
group response.
Dr Lee
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