Provides examples of listening comprehension tests used in England which take into account communicative skill testing. (AM)

The French as a Second Language model tests for advanced levels 7, 8, and 9 were designed to evaluate students' language performance, as outlined in the program of studies for Alberta, Canada, in listening and reading comprehension and oral and written production, communication skills, culture, language and general language knowledge. The tests…

The use of taped radio programs is suggested for testing advanced level French comprehension. In the testing technique described less attention is given to program content than to style and language usage. A sample test is presented. (MSE)

The French as a Second Language model tests for beginning levels 1, 2, and 3 were designed to evaluate students' language performance, as outlined in the program of studies for Alberta, Canada, in listening and reading comprehension and oral and written production, communication skills, culture, language and general language knowledge. The tests…

The traditional upper-level course in French civilization at Utah State University was abandoned in favor of a course entitled "France Today," taught once a year to a consistent enrollment of students majoring in a wide variety of disciplines. The content varies somewhat each year, but the class typically begins with several class…

Discusses the use of the York Group Graded Tests in French programs in English Comprehensive, Middle, and Secondary Schools. Commercial materials that can be used with the tests are indicated. (AM)

It is proposed that the multiple-choice test can be useful in helping language students understand the meaning of text better without overwhelming them. Techniques for drafting effective questions are discussed, and a sample list of questions is presented. (MSE)

The manual is designed to help Peace Corps language teachers design simple evaluation procedures that will: (1) help them select appropriate classroom activities; (2) encourage students to self-monitor their progress and take responsibility for learning; and (3) give insight into student aptitudes. An introductory chapter examines the relationship…

The assessment packet presented is a draft of a test designed for use with beginning level students of a second/foreign language in the Columbus (Ohio) public schools. It focuses on speaking skills and attempts to test only what students can be expected to say, realistically. The packet consists of: nine mini-tests for use at regular intervals…

The French as a Second Language model tests for junior high school instruction presented here were designed to evaluate students' language performance as outlined in the learner expectations of the Alberta (Canada) second language curriculum. They focus on the specific fields of experience of these levels, but may be adapted for local contexts. An…

A resource kit is presented for the teaching of listening comprehension and colloquial usage in French at the advanced secondary level. The kit is represented by a teacher's guide, a student handbook entitled "Idees et personalites," and a set of transcripts of taped interviews. In the interviews, two young French Canadians discuss their…

A resource kit for the teaching of listening comprehension in French at the intermediate secondary level is represented by a teacher's guide. The module is designed to develop language awareness through the presentation and discussion of basic language concepts and contrastive language study. Language variation and cognates are among the topics…

A resource kit for teaching French in a French-Canadian cultural context is represented by a teacher's guide, a student resource booklet, and a tape transcript. This module is designed for use at the intermediate or advanced level of secondary instruction. Classroom activities are based on a cassette tape that introduces some of the phonological…

Describes a rating scale designed to provide a valid and practical evaluation instrument for testing communicative competence in French. Evidence from the application of this scale to actual test data and an analysis of its validation by means of native speaker judgments show that this method of evaluating student performance is effective. (SL)

The "nuts and bolts" of test construction concern the following areas: (1) common problems in test construction, (2) successful test formats, (3) specific testing concerns in the French individualized program (IFP) at the Ohio State University, and (4) references to help the test constructor. The specific problems considered deal with whether or…