الخطة الدراسية

Course Title: Testing and assessment

Semester One, 2014/ 015

Time: Tuesday 1:00 – 3:20

Venue: Central library, Room 1

Subject description

This subject provides a broad overview of the major principles involved in second and foreign language testing and assessment. The focus is on both the theoretical and practical issues in testing and assessment. The subject examines English language assessment including proficiency and placement tests, high-stakes standardized testing, and traditional and non-traditional assessment. It also examines testing techniques and procedures. The assessment of the four basic language skills that demonstrate language proficiency is also examined. This subject emphasizes the general principals of English language test construction and administration. Students are provided with practical experience in preparing, correcting, analyzing and assessing language tests.

Subject Objectives

Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

·         Understand the key concepts and the basic principles of language testing and assessment.

·         Criticize the relationship of testing to teaching practice and syllabus design.

·         Understand approaches and techniques in language test development and validation.

·         Evaluate a test format in terms of purpose and appropriateness.

·         Construct and design a test for a specific skill.

·         Understand and follow an assessment rubric in order to develop a standardized language test.

Content

Basic concepts and principles of language testing and assessment: Validity,Reliability, Practicality, Authenticity, and Backwash or wash-back. Types of assessment: Summative and formative assessments. Test specification. Types of tests: Placement test, Achievement test, Diagnostic test, and Proficiency test. Grading and scoring. Alternative assessment: Portfolios, Journals, and Self/Peer assessment.

Teaching and learning strategies

Before coming to class, please, read the assigned topics and relevant materials. Assignments should be submitted on the given dates; late assignments are not accepted.

Program

Assessment

1-      Individual assignment (20 marks), 1000 words reflection is due on 21/10/2014.

Each student will pick a card that includes a topic for presentation and class discussion.

2-      Group work assignment (25 marks), 2000 words equivalent report is due on 2/12/2014.  Evaluate and criticize two types of test techniques in relation to the curriculum and teaching practice at the ELI. (Examine test items provided by the ELI Test Unit).

3-      Final project (50 marks), 3000 words equivalent paper is due on 30/12/2014.

Work with a partner and design a short test relevant to the ELI context, on one of the four language skills. Evaluate your test in the light of ‘principles of language assessment’ (i.e. validity and reliability).

4-      Class participation (5 marks).   

Recommended Readings

1-      Brown, H. D., & Abeywickrama, P. (2010). Language assessment: Principles and classroom practices. New York: Pearson Education. (Pdf.) (KEY TEXT)

2-      Fulcher, G. (2010). Practical language testing. UK: Hodder Education. (Pdf.)(KEY TEXT)

3-      Hughes, A. (2003). Testing for language teachers (2nd Ed). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. (Pdf.)

4-      Alderson, J. C., Clapham, C., & Wall, D., (1995). Language test construction and evaluation. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. (central library)

5-      Douglas, D. (2010). Understanding language testing. UK: Hodder Education.

6-      McKay, P. (2006). Assessing Young Language Learners, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press. (pdf.)

7-      Weir, Cyril, J. (2005). Language testing and validation: an evidence-based approach. Macmillan: Palgrave. (Pdf.)

8-      Fultcher, G. and Davison, F. (2007). Language testing and assessment: an advanced resource book. New York: Routledge. (Pdf.)

Relevant Journals

9-      Language Assessment Quarterly

10-  Language Testing (Sage Journals)

11-  Assessing Writing: An International Journal

Other Resources

12-  Language Testing Resources Website: http://www.languagetesting.info/

This site is designed and maintained by Prof. Glenn Fulcher

Course Title: Testing and assessment

Semester One, 2014/ 015

Time: Tuesday 1:00 – 3:20

Venue: Central library, Room 1

Subject description

This subject provides a broad overview of the major principles involved in second and foreign language testing and assessment. The focus is on both the theoretical and practical issues in testing and assessment. The subject examines English language assessment including proficiency and placement tests, high-stakes standardized testing, and traditional and non-traditional assessment. It also examines testing techniques and procedures. The assessment of the four basic language skills that demonstrate language proficiency is also examined. This subject emphasizes the general principals of English language test construction and administration. Students are provided with practical experience in preparing, correcting, analyzing and assessing language tests.

Subject Objectives

Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

·         Understand the key concepts and the basic principles of language testing and assessment.

·         Criticize the relationship of testing to teaching practice and syllabus design.

·         Understand approaches and techniques in language test development and validation.

·         Evaluate a test format in terms of purpose and appropriateness.

·         Construct and design a test for a specific skill.

·         Understand and follow an assessment rubric in order to develop a standardized language test.

Content

Basic concepts and principles of language testing and assessment: Validity,Reliability, Practicality, Authenticity, and Backwash or wash-back. Types of assessment: Summative and formative assessments. Test specification. Types of tests: Placement test, Achievement test, Diagnostic test, and Proficiency test. Grading and scoring. Alternative assessment: Portfolios, Journals, and Self/Peer assessment.

Teaching and learning strategies

Before coming to class, please, read the assigned topics and relevant materials. Assignments should be submitted on the given dates; late assignments are not accepted.

Program

Assessment

1-      Individual assignment (20 marks), 1000 words reflection is due on 21/10/2014.

Each student will pick a card that includes a topic for presentation and class discussion.

2-      Group work assignment (25 marks), 2000 words equivalent report is due on 2/12/2014.  Evaluate and criticize two types of test techniques in relation to the curriculum and teaching practice at the ELI. (Examine test items provided by the ELI Test Unit).

3-      Final project (50 marks), 3000 words equivalent paper is due on 30/12/2014.

Work with a partner and design a short test relevant to the ELI context, on one of the four language skills. Evaluate your test in the light of ‘principles of language assessment’ (i.e. validity and reliability).

4-      Class participation (5 marks).   

Recommended Readings

1-      Brown, H. D., & Abeywickrama, P. (2010). Language assessment: Principles and classroom practices. New York: Pearson Education. (Pdf.) (KEY TEXT)

2-      Fulcher, G. (2010). Practical language testing. UK: Hodder Education. (Pdf.)(KEY TEXT)

3-      Hughes, A. (2003). Testing for language teachers (2nd Ed). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. (Pdf.)

4-      Alderson, J. C., Clapham, C., & Wall, D., (1995). Language test construction and evaluation. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. (central library)

5-      Douglas, D. (2010). Understanding language testing. UK: Hodder Education.

6-      McKay, P. (2006). Assessing Young Language Learners, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press. (pdf.)

7-      Weir, Cyril, J. (2005). Language testing and validation: an evidence-based approach. Macmillan: Palgrave. (Pdf.)

8-      Fultcher, G. and Davison, F. (2007). Language testing and assessment: an advanced resource book. New York: Routledge. (Pdf.)

Relevant Journals

9-      Language Assessment Quarterly

10-  Language Testing (Sage Journals)

11-  Assessing Writing: An International Journal

Other Resources

12-  Language Testing Resources Website: http://www.languagetesting.info/

This site is designed and maintained by Prof. Glenn Fulcher