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TESTING

Testing subjects

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coromesk1
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16 views

TESTING

Testing subjects

Uploaded by

coromesk1
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Chapter One/

Mistrusting Tests: Why Do People Mistrust Tests?

1. Backwash

2. Inaccurate Tests

____________________

1. Backwash

Backwash refers to how tests affect teaching and learning, which can be positive or
negative.

a. Harmful Backwash

Harmful backwash happens when test content does not match course objectives.
For example, students in a language course meant to improve writing skills may face
tests that only focus on spelling. This mismatch means students don’t practice the
right skills.

If writing is tested through multiple-choice questions, students focus on practicing


such questions instead of developing actual writing skills, which is not ideal.

b. Positive Backwash

Positive backwash happens when tests encourage good teaching practices. For
example, an oral test motivates teachers to focus on teaching speaking skills.

___________________________

2. Inaccurate Tests

Tests are often mistrusted because they fail to measure what they are supposed to.
Students’ real abilities may not match their test scores. This happens because
language skills are hard to measure precisely.

*Why tests are inaccurate?

There are two reasons:

1. Test Content and Techniques: Some tests, like multiple-choice, cannot measure
skills like writing accurately.

2. Reliability Issues: Tests may not always give consistent or fair results.

Lack of Reliability
A test is reliable if it gives consistent results. A reliable test ensures a person gets
similar scores, no matter when they take it. However, an unreliable test can give
different results depending on the day.

___________________________

Chapter Two/

Testing as Problem Solving

There is no single “best test” because different purposes require different tests. A
test that works well in one situation may not work in another. Schools may need
unique tests based on their goals, resources, and teaching objectives.

A good test should:

1. Measure the exact skills it is meant to assess.

2. Improve teaching if it influences teaching methods.

3. Be cost-effective in terms of time and money.

Testers need to understand the purpose of testing in each situation. Different


purposes require different types of tests. This might seem simple, but it's often
overlooked. The main purposes of testing include:

1. Checking language skills.

2. Seeing how well students have met course objectives.

3. Finding students' strengths and weaknesses—what they know and don’t know.

4. Placing students in the right level of a program based on their ability.

______________________________________
Chapter THREE/ Types of tests:

1. Proficiency Tests

Proficiency tests assess a learner's overall command of a language, independent of


any specific course or instruction. They are designed to evaluate how well someone
can use the language in various contexts, such as academic, professional, or
everyday situations. Examples include TOEFL and IELTS, which test multiple skills
like reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Example: The IELTS test measures overall English ability for studying or working
abroad. It tests reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills, not tied to any
specific course.

2. Achievement Tests

Achievement tests measure how well learners have achieved the objectives of a
specific course or program. These tests are closely tied to the syllabus and are
often given at the end of a term or module. For example, a final exam in an English
course may test vocabulary, grammar, and the topics covered during the course.

Example: At the end of a Spanish course, students take a test on vocabulary,


grammar, and topics covered during the course, such as writing a short story in
Spanish.

3. Diagnostic Tests

Diagnostic tests help identify areas where a learner struggles, such as grammar,
pronunciation, or listening comprehension. These tests are typically administered
before instruction begins to guide teachers in planning lessons that address specific
weaknesses. For instance, a diagnostic writing test may reveal issues with sentence
structure or punctuation.

Example: A teacher gives a listening test to find out if students struggle with
understanding fast conversations before starting lessons.

4. Placement Tests

Placement tests are used to determine a learner’s proficiency level to place them in
the appropriate class or program. These tests ensure students are grouped with
peers of similar abilities, making instruction more effective. For example, a
language school may use placement tests to assign students to beginner,
intermediate, or advanced classes.

Example: A language school gives new students a test, and based on the results,
one student is placed in the beginner class while another goes to the advanced
class.

5. Direct vs. Indirect Tests

Direct tests require students to perform real-world language tasks, such as writing a
letter or participating in a conversation, to demonstrate their abilities. Indirect tests
measure knowledge or skills indirectly, such as through grammar or vocabulary
questions, without involving actual communication.
Direct Test Example: A student is asked to write an email to a friend, demonstrating
their ability to use real-life writing skills.

Indirect Test Example: A student completes a multiple-choice grammar test,


choosing the correct verb forms.

6. Discrete Point vs. Integrative Testing

Discrete point tests focus on individual language elements, such as a specific


grammar rule or vocabulary item, often through multiple-choice or fill-in-the-blank
questions. Integrative tests assess a combination of skills and knowledge, such as
writing a passage or completing a cloze test, which require understanding context
and using multiple language components simultaneously.

Discrete Point Example: A test asks students to fill in the blanks with the correct
preposition (e.g., "in," "on," or "at").

Integrative Test Example: Students write a short essay about their weekend, using
correct grammar, vocabulary, and structure.

7. Objective vs. Subjective Testing

Objective tests have clear, definitive answers, such as multiple-choice, true/false,


or matching questions, and are scored mechanically or with answer keys.
Subjective tests, like essays or speaking tasks, depend on the examiner’s judgment
and are scored using criteria such as clarity, coherence, and fluency.

Objective Test Example: A true/false question tests if the sentence "She have a car"
is correct.

Subjective Test Example: A student writes a paragraph about their hobbies, graded
by how well they explain and organize their ideas.

8. Communicative Language Testing

Communicative tests assess the ability to use language effectively in realistic,


meaningful contexts. These tests emphasize practical communication skills rather
than isolated grammar or vocabulary knowledge. Examples include role-plays,
interviews, or writing tasks that simulate real-life scenarios.

Example: Students participate in a role-play where they pretend to order food at a


restaurant, showing their ability to use language in real-life conversations.

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