LANGUAGE TESTING IN ELT

Course Description

To introduce students to some fundamental testing theories and concepts in language testing and to show how these theories, concepts and precepts are applied in the testing of the four skills. Skills based test construction is the main focus of the practical element of the course with students designing and makiing their own test. International measurement and testing systems are explored as well as the pegging of tests to international measurement systems such as the CEFR. The descriptors of these international systems are used in the construction of tests and the writing of test items so that learners can adapt materials in their future careers in line with current standards.

LANGUAGE TESTING IN ELT

Evaluation Tools (Active Term)

No evaluation items have been defined.

Course outcomes

1. 01 Debate langauge testing using a strong foundation in the functions and forms of language testing
2. 02 Discuss assessment with a solid knowledge of the different international evaluation bodies.
3. 03 Create test items and tests based on the CEFR.

Course Syllabus

Reference Books & Course Materials

1. 01 Demirel, Ö - CEFR-based Language Testing - Ankara PEGEM Academy - 2011
2. 02 cambridgeenglish.org/cefr/

Learning Outcomes

1. L01 (1) Recognize the basic concepts in language testing, SOLO 2
2. L02 (2) Apply item writing techniques in basic language skills, SOLO 3
3. L03 (3)Apply item analysis techniques in language testing, SOLO 3
4. L04 (4)Evaluate teacher-made and standardized tests in ELT, SOLO 5

Program Outcomes

1. P01 1- make use of their professional training in language teaching and achieve effective classroom management,
2. P02 2- carry out research on the development of their learners’ social, psychological and personal characteristics by using testing and evaluation techniques in accordance with ethical principles and then report their results.
3. P03 3- conduct research using basic scientific research techniques with the aim to find solutions to problems that may be encountered in the field of Teaching English,
4. P04 4- evaluate, apply and interpret concepts and scientific methods related to the field of teaching English
5. P05 5- choose appropriate language teaching methods and techniques considering diverse learner characteristics stemming from their ages, learning styles, motivation and background knowledge,
6. P06 6- prepare daily lesson plans appropriate to the things to teach and deliver effective lessons by using appropriate course materials and instructional technology,
7. P07 7- choose appropriate materials available for use and/or develop their own course materials according to students’ level, interest and learning characteristics with the aim to use them in the teaching of language items (phonological, lexical, grammatical items and so on) and in the development of learners’ language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing),
8. P08 8- choose and use appropriate measurement tools and materials to asses and evaluate learners’ development and success,
9. P09 9- explain the similarities and differences between first and second language acquisition theories, and relate these theories to language teaching theories and practices.
10. P10 10- make use of principles, theories, approaches and techniques for the development and evaluation of educational programs.
11. P11 11- explain the concepts of Theoretical Linguistics & Applied Linguistics and use their knowledge for the preparation of lesson plans appropriate to the characteristics of the target language,
12. P12 12- use information and communication technology together with computer software required by the field,
13. P13 13- describe the characteristics of different text types considering basic theories & approaches in translation and translate texts from English to Turkish and from Turkish to English,
14. P14 14- define the basic concepts and principles of classical and modern literature, analyse and construct information, and then make use of their literary knowledge in language teaching,
15. P15 15- use the target language to obtain and transmit information; communicate either orally or in writing.
16. P16 16- identify and solve problems in their social environment with the awareness of social responsibility they have developed.

Po-Lo Matrix