• Semester 1 (Day)
• Semester 1 (External)

Synopsis

Teachers  constantly  have to make judgements  about  the  proficiency
levels  of their students. With the present emphasis on the  goals  of
second  language teaching being more communicative, teachers  have  to
develop skills beyond pen and paper tests to developing skills in oral
and   aural  tests  also.   The  present  emphasis  on  outcomes-based
education also emphasises the need for assessment. This unit  examines
the current knowledge about second language testing.

The  unit  will introduce students to the different types of  language
tests and their purposes. It will look at how language proficiency  is
measured and the ways scores are interpreted. It will also discuss the
criteria for good tests: reliability and validity. Students will  have
practice  in  devising their own tests in which they will  demonstrate
their understanding of the principles of second language testing.