COMMON TEST TECHNIQUES FROM TESTING FOR LANGUAGETEACHER

Test techniques Means of eliciting behavior from candidates that will tell us about their language abilities. Means of eliciting behavior from candidates that will tell us about their language abilities. We need techniques that : We need techniques that : * will elicit behaviour which is reliable and valid indicator of the ability in which we are interested * will elicit behaviour which is reliable and valid indicator of the ability in which we are interested * will elicit behaviour which can reliably scored * will elicit behaviour which can reliably scored * are as economical of time and efforts as possible * are as economical of time and efforts as possible *will have a beneficial backwash effect, where this is relevant. *will have a beneficial backwash effect, where this is relevant.

Multiple Choice Basic pattern : Basic pattern : Enid has been here ….. Half an hour Enid has been here ….. Half an hour a. during b. for c. while d. since a. during b. for c. while d. since “B” is the answer “B” is the answer “A, C,D” are called distractors “A, C,D” are called distractors

The Difficulties with Multiple Choice The tecniques test only recognition knowledge The tecniques test only recognition knowledge Guessing may have a considerable but unknowable effect on test scores Guessing may have a considerable but unknowable effect on test scores The techniques severly restricts what can be tested The techniques severly restricts what can be tested It is very difficult to write succesful items It is very difficult to write succesful items Backwash may be harmful Backwash may be harmful Cheating may be facilitated Cheating may be facilitated

YES/NO and TRUE/FALSE items The test taker has merely to choose between YES and NO, or between TRUE and FALSE, are effectively multiple choice items with only two options. The test taker has merely to choose between YES and NO, or between TRUE and FALSE, are effectively multiple choice items with only two options.

Short-answer items Items in which the test taker has to provide a short answer are common, particularly in listening and reading tests. Items in which the test taker has to provide a short answer are common, particularly in listening and reading tests. Examples : Examples : (1) what does It in the last sentence refer to? (1) what does It in the last sentence refer to? (2) how old was Hannibal when he started eating human beings? (2) how old was Hannibal when he started eating human beings?

The advantages of Multiple Choice Scoring can be perfectly reliable, rapid and economical Scoring can be perfectly reliable, rapid and economical Guessing will (or should) contribute less to test scores Guessing will (or should) contribute less to test scores The techniques is not restricted by the need for distractors The techniques is not restricted by the need for distractors Cheating is likely to be more difficult Cheating is likely to be more difficult Though great care must still be taken, items should be easier to write. Though great care must still be taken, items should be easier to write.

The Disadvantage of Multiple Choice Responses may take longer and so reduce the possible number of items Responses may take longer and so reduce the possible number of items The test taker has to produce language in order to respond The test taker has to produce language in order to respond Scoring may be invalid or unreliable, if judgement is required. Scoring may be invalid or unreliable, if judgement is required. Scoring may take longer Scoring may take longer

GAP FILLING ITEMS Pattern : Pattern : Hannibal particularly liked to eat brains because of their texture and colour. Hannibal particularly liked to eat brains because of their texture and colour. The answer can be found in the text The answer can be found in the text Gap filling items for listening or reading work best if the missing words are to be found in the text or are straightforward, high frequency words which should not present spelling problems Gap filling items for listening or reading work best if the missing words are to be found in the text or are straightforward, high frequency words which should not present spelling problems

Gap Filling Items Also used for tests of grammar and vocabulary Also used for tests of grammar and vocabulary Examples : Examples : He asked me for money, …. Though he knows I earn a lot less than him. He asked me for money, …. Though he knows I earn a lot less than him.

Gap filling Items The advantage : The advantage : * it has the advantages of the short answer techniques * it has the advantages of the short answer techniques