Language Testing and Evaluation

Singapore University of Social Sciences

Language Testing and Evaluation (TSL565)

Synopsis

TSL 565 Language Testing and Evaluation provides students with an insight into the fundamental concepts in and principles of language assessment in the Digital Age. The course then provides students with guidelines for evaluating and creating tests for assessing listening, reading, viewing, speaking, writing, representing, grammar and vocabulary, using traditional print, multimodal and digital texts. Finally, the course examines the issue of grading and evaluating.

Level: 5
Credit Units: 5
Presentation Pattern: EVERY 2 YEARS
E-Learning: BLENDED - Learning is done MAINLY online using interactive study materials in Canvas. Students receive guidance and support from online instructors via discussion forums and emails. This is supplemented with SOME face-to-face sessions. If the course has an exam component, this will be administered on-campus.

Topics

Basic concepts: testing and assessment; grading and evaluation; formative and summative assessment; norm-referenced and criterion-referenced tests
Principles of language assessment: Practicality; reliability; validity; authenticity; washback
Process of designing classroom language tests: Purpose; objective; specification; devising test item; administering the test; scoring, grading and giving feedback
Standards-based testing
Standardised testing
Alternatives in assessment
Assessing listening and viewing
Assessing speaking and representing
Assessing reading and viewing
Assessing writing and representing
Assessing grammar and vocabulary
Principles and guidelines for grading and evaluation

Learning Outcome

Differentiate between the basic concepts in language testing
Discuss the principles of language assessment
Examine critically the process of designing classroom language tests
Critique the distinction between grading and evaluation
Evaluate language testing materials against a set of principles and prescribed criteria
Design language testing materials for a particular context in accordance with the principles of language assessment.