Conference paper
Designing language tests
Ina Ferbežar
; Ljubljana, Slovenija
Vesna Požgaj-Hadži
; Ljubljana, Slovenija
Abstract
Measuring language proficiency in
learning/teaching a foreign/second language is a topical issue of European
language policies. The most reliable (formal) measuring instruments are
language tests, which must satisfy the defined test-design criteria. In the
case of the communicative method of teaching and measuring knowledge, the
principal concept of test design and delivery is authenticity --- not only text
authenticity but also authenticity of test situations. Different
characteristics of tests are described in the paper (from validity as most
important to objectivity, sensitivity, etc.)\ as well as different purposes of
testing (from informal measuring of teaching efficiency to the formal public
system of language proficiency certification). Special attention is paid to the
many open problems of test design, such as selection of texts, different types
of test items (and whether they should explicitly test grammar), grading, that
is, grading and evaluation criteria etc. On examples of Croatian language
tests, numerous ``pitfalls'' in test design are highlighted, which test
designers should keep in mind. It is concluded that test design should be well
thought-out, for test results may sometimes have fateful consequences for an
individual. Therefore, test designers and deliverers must be aware of their
responsibility.
Keywords
Croatian as a foreign language; language testing; characteristics of tests; different types of test items
Hrčak ID:
34719
URI
Publication date:
30.12.2008.
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