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…

This manual provides instructors in Peace Corps language training programs with information about two kinds of classroom testing: formative, ongoing testing and summative testing that occurs at the end of an instructional period. The first of the manual's four chapters on the purposes of language testing, discusses language testing within a…

By being creative in preparing tests and by allowing creativity on the part of students, language teachers can incorporate many of the principles associated with proficiency-oriented instruction into a traditional test format. Such test strategies are based on the following: (1) testing in context is better than testing with a series of unrelated…

Classifies several kinds of readily available foreign language computer programs. Most of the programs fall into either game/activity or testing categories. In all the programs, feedback to the student who has made an error is limited. Sees the computer as a specific information resource in self-directed learning programs. (SED)

A guidebook, accompanied by a companion book, directed toward English-speaking students learning Spanish and Spanish teachers, presents a step-by-step approach to learning/teaching the formation and uses of all subjunctive tenses in Spanish. The author assumes that students are already familiar with some grammatical concepts and terminology such…

Oral tests for speaking skills evaluate two major skills: linguistic competence, including accuracy of pronunciation, vocabulary, and structure, and communication ease. Four factors affect students' oral performance: verbal intelligence, short-term auditory and visual memory, sound-symbol association skill, and grammatical analysis. Personality…

The psychological and linguistic foundations of the cloze procedure are outlined, and standard approaches and terms used are reviewed. Notes are given on cloze in testing, in relation to language structure, and as a teaching device, focusing on the manipulation of the technique for a variety of purposes and situations. (MSE)

Prompted by a lack of materials to test students' discrimination and production of minimal pairs and similar words, a teacher developed a technique that uses actual production of words in sentences. Students' reactions have been very positive, and the test is brief and simple to administer. (MSE)

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)

Describes five techniques to be used in the evaluation of writing and as exercises in foreign language teaching: the so-called free response to problems presented, fill-in blanks, construction form, alternative form, and association form. (IFS/WGA)

Argues that teachers need to become "informed consumers" of standardized tests in order to influence decisions about test use and about ways to help students perform at their best. Six strategies for considering the content of a test form are presented. (LR)

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 kit is designed for use by Australian classroom teachers of English as a Second Language (ESL) interested in more detailed diagnoses of their learners' needs for reading and writing instruction, from beginning to advanced levels. It can be used at the outset of or during a course of study to give a detailed assessment of the learner's reading…

In view of frustration and dissatisfaction expressed by British language teachers, this book takes a critical look at the present "A" level language examinations and makes a radical reappraisal of the needs of students learning German for "A" level and other examinations. It suggests a fundamental change of emphasis from…

Inclusion of oral exams as a regular part of the school-based testing program has the advantages of providing motivation to learn oral skills, oral testing experience, additional opportunities for students to perform well, and improved relationships with students. However, logistical problems can be substantial. Adequate time for and efficient…