EDF6227

Assessment in foreign and second-language education

(EDU)

Dr M M Gearon

12 points + 3 hours per week + Second semester + Clayton

Synopsis: This unit introduces practising teachers of foreign/second languages to the theory and practice of assessment of proficiency in a foreign or second language, and in particular to the assessment of communicative competence. General testing notions such as validity and reliability will be related to the assessment of second-language learning. Assessment procedures will be related to assessment purposes; task types, different reporting styles and washback effect of these procedures will be discussed. The emphasis will be on practical applications to help teachers link assessment to curriculum aims and to improve the quality of their assessment procedures.

Assessment: Two assignments (2500 and 3500 words): 50% each