ERIC Number: EJ906471
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2010-Nov
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1527-9316
EISSN: N/A
ESL Student Perspectives on University Classroom Testing Practices
Teemant, Annela
Journal of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, v10 n3 p89-105 Nov 2010
ESL students struggle to represent accurately on tests what they know. Understanding what constitutes equitable testing practices in university settings for ESL students poses a significant challenge to educators. This study reports on the content analysis of semi-structured interview data obtained from 13 university-level ESL students on their opinions, concerns, strategies, and preferences in testing. ESL students provide evidence that language proficiency, test anxiety, and preferences for particular test formats, such as multiple-choice over essay questions, affect their ability to demonstrate content knowledge. Students describe context, culture, and seven language-related problems in testing, and show awareness of various test-taking strategies. The results suggest practical implications for making testing outcomes more equitable for ESL students.
Descriptors: Testing, Interviews, Test Anxiety, English (Second Language), Language Proficiency, Educational Practices, Student Attitudes, Test Format, Second Language Learning, Testing Problems, Testing Accommodations, Test Wiseness, Foreign Students, Classroom Environment
Indiana University. 755 West Michigan Street UL 1180D, Indianapolis, IN 46202. Tel: 317-274-5647; Fax: 317-278-2360; e-mail: josotl@iupui.edu; Web site: http://www.iupui.edu/~josotl
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A