Diagnosing foreign language proficiency : the interface between learning and assessment / J. Charles Alderson.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Alderson, J. Charles.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Language and languages--Ability testing.

Language and languages.

Second language acquisition.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (xii, 284 pages) : illustrations

Edition:

Paperback edition.

Place of Publication:

London ; New York : Continuum, 2006.

System Details:

text file

Summary:

This book addresses the need for tests that can diagnose the strengths and weaknesses in learners' developing foreign language proficiency. It presents the rationale for, and research surrounding, the development of DIALANG, a suite of internet-delivered diagnostic foreign language tests funded by the European Commission. The word 'diagnosis' is common in discussions in language education and applied linguistics, but very few truly diagnostic tests exist. However, the diagnosis of foreign language proficiency is central to helping learners make progress. This volume explores the nature of diagnostic testing, emphasizing the need for a better understanding of the nature of appropriate diagnosis.

The book starts with a debate about how diagnostic testing might most appropriately be developed. J. Charles Alderson argues that the field has neglected to construct diagnostic tests, partly because other forms of testing have dominated the field. Alderson examines how proficiency has been diagnosed in the key areas of language: reading, listening, writing, grammar and vocabulary. The value of self-assessment is discussed and exemplified as a key component in developing learners', and teachers', awareness of the complexity of language learning. The book ends with a consideration of, and recommendations for, future developments in the diagnosis of foreign language proficiency.

Contents:

1 Diagnosing foreign language proficiency: a teaching/testing interface 4

2 Diagnosis in other fields 13

4 The history of DIALANG 36

5 Piloting in DIALANG 44

6 Setting standards 61

7 The Vocabulary Size Placement Test 79

8 The role of self-assessment in DIALANG 97

10 Listening 138

11 Writing 154

12 Grammar 170

13 Vocabulary 191

14 The value of feedback and advice 208

15 Experimental Items 221

16 Experiments in the use of self-assessment 243

17 The future of diagnostic testing 254.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages [269]-275) and index.

Electronic reproduction. London : Bloomsbury Publishing, 2014. Available via World Wide Web. Access limited by licensing agreement. s2014 dcunns

Other Format:

Original

ISBN:

9781474212151

Access Restriction:

Restricted for use by site license.