Tests, basic concepts

Second language tests

Basic concepts

Aspects of tests:

Aspects of tests:

What is a test?

Aspects of tests:

Tasks attempted by a group of students in order to demonstrate their knowledge

Measurement

Content

Method

Tests, exams, quzzes

Test

"A method for collecting information." "A form of measurement." A test is about anything: intelligence, history or second language proficiency. In educational terms, tests have subject matter of content. A test is a task or set of tasks that elicits observable behavior from the test taker. There are tests of one task: writinng a composition. Tests of a set of tasks: multiple choice examination. Each question is thought of as a separate task. Test yield scores that represent attributes or characteristics of individuals. Test scores must have a frame of reference -----> measurement.

Test methods

The kinds of tasks that the test takers are asked to perform.Examples of methods: -Texts accompanied by questions that require written or multiple choice answers. ------> To test the acquisition of grammatical rules in L2. -Performance. ------> To assess the ability to respond correctly and appropriately in a conversation conducted in L2. Scores Some test takers are more experienced or skilled at certain kinds of testing methods than others. What a test is measuring is a reflection of its content and the method it employs,

Test content

The content of a second language tests is about skills and usage of the language. The actual content of a test is generally narrower than the subject matter, skills or knowledge it seeks to assess. Second language tests do no examine every aspect of second language proficiency. The content is onnly a sample of the subject matter, skills or knowledge being assessed. Quality of tests A listening comprehension test with written multiple-choice answers calls for listening and comprehension skills. The significance of test content An individual's performance on a test is a reflection of sibject matter, knowledge and skills. The test is a sample of subject matter.

Measurement

Measurement devices: Describe attributesor qualities of things and individuals by assigning scores or numbers to them.The assignment of numbers to qualities or characteristics according to some standard and rational method. The interpretation of those scores is made respect to some frame of reference. Kinds of measuring devices: -Measurement of differences in kind -Measurement differences in degree ----> In L2, they measure how proficiently students can read a second language or the appropriateness of their speaking in particular social situations. Not all tests allow for measurement of degree or kind.