1. Language Assessment & Testing ENGL 6307
Dr Nazmi Al-Masri
Sept 2017
The Islamic University of Gaza

2. Introduction to the course – Syllabus Why Do We Assess?
Session (1)
Introduction to the course – Syllabus
Why Do We Assess?
Cheng, Liying & Fox, Janna (2017) Assessment in the Language Classroom. P 1- 29

3. Course description
provides a theoretical & practical understanding of major modern issues & concepts in language assessment and testing theory, practice and implications.
focuses on assessment procedures used in Palestinian schools.
deals with how to assess: 4 language skills & 4 language subsystems
focusses on how to develop the process of assessment in palestine.

4. Purpose
To develop an understanding of the principles and issues involving foreign language assessment and tests with specific reference to the Palestinian context.

5. Outcomes By the end of this course, students should be able to
demonstrate understanding of key concepts, principles and practices of different forms of modern language testing and assessment
plan and construct language tests with more focus on assessing the four language skills and its four subsystems (vocabulary, grammar, spelling and pronunciation)
analyse and evaluate the existing forms of assessment and testing in Palestine and externally-developed standardized assessments.

6. Weekly Topics Why do we assess? What do we assess? How do we assess?
How do we develop a high-quality classroom test?
Who are we assessing? Placement, needs analysis and siagnostics
Who are se assessing? Feedback and motivation
When we assess, how can we use assessment to move forward?
Assessing listening
Assessing speaking
Assessing reading
Assessing writing
Utilizing Technology in Language Assessment
Culture and Language Assessment

7. Teaching and learning methods
Individual preparation requiring extensive reading and preparation weekly
Group work-based interactive lectures
Student-led discussions
Moodle-based quizzes and assignments

8. Assessment
Preparation & participation: 10 Moodle quizzes (taking highest 8) %
6-page critique of 4 articles on one topic of language assessment %
Develop & use a rubric for a classroom writing/ reading assessment &
reflect on the process %
Preparing, sharing & reflecting on 2 designed language tests %
Final Exam     %
Total %

9. Textbooks and Readings
Cheng, Liying & Fox, Janna (2017) Assessment in the Language Classroom. London: PLAGRAVE-Macmillan Education.
Brown, H. D. & Abeywickrama, P. (2010). Language assessment: Principles and classroom practices (2nd Ed). New York: Pearson Education.
Other articles or chapters will be uploaded on Moodle

10. Recommended Readings
Hughes, A. (2003). Testing for language teachers (2nd Ed). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Fulcher, G. (2010). Practical language testing. UK: Hodder Education
McKay, P. (2006). Assessing Young Language Learners, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press.
Weir, Cyril, J. (2005). Language testing and validation: an evidence-based approach. Macmillan: Palgrave.
Fultcher, G. and Davison, F. (2007). Language testing and assessment: an advanced resource book. New York: Routledge.

11. Relevant Journals
Language Assessment Quarterly- Access provided by IUG
Language Testing (Sage Journals)
Assessing Writing: An International Journal

12. Other Resources
Language Testing Resources Website: This site is designed and maintained by Prof. Glenn Fulcher
Center for Applied Linguistics:
Second Language Testing:
Center for Advanced Research on Language acquisition: