Diagnosing Foreign Language Proficiency The Interface between Learning and Assessment

by Alderson, J. Charles

• ISBN13: 9780826485038
• ISBN10: 0826485030
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2005-11-01
• Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic

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. 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.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements	vi
Introduction	1	(137)
1 Diagnosing foreign language proficiency: a teaching/testing interface	4	(9)
2 Diagnosis in other fields	13	(13)
3 Introduction to DIALANG	26	(10)
4 The history of DIALANG	36	(8)
5 Piloting in DIALANG	44	(17)
6 Setting standards	61	(18)
7 The Vocabulary Size Placement Test	79	(18)
8 The role of self-assessment in DIALANG	97	(22)
9 Reading	119	(19)
10 Listening	138	(16)
11 Writing	154	(16)
12 Grammar	170	(21)
13 Vocabulary	191	(17)
14 The value of feedback and advice	208	(13)
15 Experimental Items	221	(22)
16 Experiments in the use of self-assessment	243	(11)
17 The future of diagnostic testing	254	(15)
References	269	(7)
Index	276