1. Testing and Evaluation
Lesson 6
Chapter 22

2. Teaching for Tests
What are the positives and negatives of teaching for a specific test?
What should you the teacher take into account when teaching for a specific test?
What activities have you found useful or ineffective when teaching for a specific test? Why?

3. Teaching for Tests Negatives
Washback/Backwash Effect: teaching becomes dominated by the test and all activities are stuck in an exam format
Lessons become monotonous
English improvement may be compromised at the expense of exam preparation

4. Teaching for Tests Positives Students have a clear sense of purpose
Students are motivated
Class works together with greater diligence
Easier to teach
Students develop good exam skills
Encourages autonomous learning

5. Teaching for Tests Teacher “To Do” list: Train students for test types
Familiarize students with scoring scales and what is considered successful
Focus on what students will be asked to do and why
Familiarize students with test items and how they should be approached effectively
Discuss General Exam Skills
Read questions carefully
pace
Do Practice Tests
Lets students become familiar
Helps with pacing

6. Teaching for Tests Teacher “To Do” list: Have Fun Ignore the Test
Create activities that target/practice certain test items but are not boring or monotonous
Ignore the Test
Important from time to time in order to work on general language issues

7. Different Types of Testing
What forms of testing do you use in your classes? Your school?
Are there different forms of testing you prefer for different English skills? Explain.

8. Different Types of Testing
Placement Tests
Placing new students: grammar, vocabulary, productive & receptive skills
Diagnostic Tests
Expose difficulties, gaps in knowledge, skill deficiencies
Once teachers are aware of problems, they can address the issues

9. Different Types of Testing
Progress/Achievement Tests
Measure language/skill progress
Every few weeks
Must assess items/topics that students are familiar with to reinforce learning
Proficiency Tests
General picture of student’s knowledge and ability
Admittance tests (Universities, Certificates, Jobs)
Portfolios
Evidence of effort, effective with written work
Time consuming, students helped by others

10. Direct vs. Indirect Test Items
Direct: perform specific communicative skill being tested
Examples: writing, speaking, listening, reading
Indirect: measures a student’s knowledge and ability
Examples: multiple choice, cloze procedures, paraphrase, sentence re-ordering