This accessible book examines issues such as test design, the rating process, validity, measurement, and the social dimension of language testing. It looks at both traditional and newer forms of language assessment, and the challenges posed by new views.
"'... provides with clarity and concision all the teacher or trainee will need to know in this area.' - EL Gazette"
"'Handy, pocket-sized brief survey for readers new to the subject containing an up-to-date overview, short readings and study questions, references and glossary.'" - The Teacher Trainer
Preface Author's preface section 1 Survey 1 Testing, testing . . . What is a language test? Understanding language testing Types of test Test purpose The criterion The test-criterion relationship Conclusion 2 Communication and the design of language tests Discrete point tests Integrative and pragmatic tests Communicative language tests Models of communicative ability Conclusion 3 The testing cycle Understanding the constraints Test content Test method Authenticity of response Fixed and constructed response formats Test specifications Test trials Conclusion 4 The rating process Establishing a rating procedure The problem with raters Establishing a framework for making judgements Rating scales Holistic and analytic ratings Rater training Conclusion 5 Validity: testing the test Threats to test validity Test content Test method and test construct The impact of tests Conclusion 6 Measurement Introduction Measurement Quality control for raters Investigating the properties of individual test items Norm-referenced and criterion-referenced measurement New approaches to measurement Conclusion 7 The social character of language tests Introduction The institutional character of assessment Assessment and social policy Assessment and educational policy The social responsibility of the language tester Ethical language testing Accountability Washback Test impact Codes of professional ethics for language testers Critical language testing Conclusion 8 New directions-and dilemmas? Computers and language testing Technology and the testing of speaking Dilemmas: whose performance? section 2 Readings section 3 References section 4 Glossary
