Kamis, Juli 29, 2010

The Assessment in English Language Teaching: From Theory to Practice [a paper by Agustina Djihadi]

Introduction

It has been known that assessment for learning should be part of effective planning of teaching and learning. Thus, the understanding on what, why, and how on assessment seem really urgent for teachers. Related to that, this essay is aimed to to present the differences between measurement, assessment, evaluation, and testing, discuss whyness of assessment, comparing assesment versus evaluation and grading, discuss some key concepts in assessment, types and approaches to assessment, assessment on language competence, some principles for good assesment, and take a look at testing: why and how. Finally, the conclusion will be drawn in the end of the discussion. It is expected that the overview on the assessment principles will guide the assessment training and professional development of teachers and administrators to run more productive assessment in English Language Teaching (ELT).

Differences between Measurement, Assessment, Evaluation, and Testing

It seems that understanding the differences between measurement, assessment, evaluation, and testing is fundamental to the knowledge base of professional teachers and effective teaching. These words so closely related that teachers or teachers to be might use them interchangebly or be confused.

As Burhan (2009) states, of the three, evaluation seems to have the broadest coverage. Citing TenBrink (1974), he defines evaluation as the process of obtaining information and using it to form judgments which in turn are to be used in decision making. Expanded initially and finally, the process is made up five stages, namely, (1) preparing, (2) collecting the data, (3) making judgments, (4) making decision, and (5) reporting.

Assesment, as Burhan (2009) states, does not include decision making and reporting. It focuses mainly on data gathering and placing a value on something. Put it another way, assessment seems to cover stages 1, 2, and 3 of the evaluation process. Meanwhile, the last term, testing, is the narrowest in scope. It is one of the techniques for collecting the data or scores. It can be used with other techniques such as observation and interviews. It does not deal with the making judgments.

Again, about assessment, one connotative meaning of assesment is that it is used or done both in formal situation and in informal ways. As complementary efforts, informal assesment is encouraged to be done to get additional data in addition to the data obtaind from formal testing. The term assesment is recently ofen encountered in TEFL or TESOL publications.

Additionally, Kizlik (2010) elucidates some differences on measurement, assessment, and evaluation. He states that measurement refers to the process by which the attributes or dimensions of some physical object are determined. One exception seems to be in the use of the word measure in determining the IQ of a person. The phrase, "this test measures IQ" is commonly used. Measuring such things as attitudes or preferences also applies. However, when we measure, we generally use some standard instrument to determine how big, tall, heavy, voluminous, hot, cold, fast, or straight something actually is. Standard instruments refer to instruments such as rulers, scales, thermometers, pressure gauges, etc. We measure to obtain information about what is. Such information may or may not be useful, depending on the accuracy of the instruments we use, and our skill at using them. There are few such instruments in the social sciences that approach the validity and reliability of say a 12" ruler. We measure how big a classroom is in terms of square feet, we measure the temperature of the room by using a thermometer, and we use Ohm meters to determine the voltage, amperage, and resistance in a circuit. In all of these examples, we are not assessing anything; we are simply collecting information relative to some established rule or standard.

Assessment, as he further states, is therefore quite different from measurement, and has uses that suggest very different purposes. Assessment is a process by which information is obtained relative to some known objective or goal. Assessment is a broad term that includes testing. A test is a special form of assessment. Tests are assessments made under contrived circumstances especially so that they may be administered. In other words, all tests are assessments, but not all assessments are tests. We test at the end of a lesson or unit. Whether implicit or explicit, assessment is most usefully connected to some goal or objective for which the assessment is designed. A test or assessment yields information relative to an objective or goal. In that sense, we test or assess to determine whether or not an objective or goal has been obtained. Assessment of skill attainment is rather straightforward. Either the skill exists at some acceptable level or it doesn’t. Skills are readily demonstrable. Assessment of understanding is much more difficult and complex. Skills can be practiced; understandings cannot. We can assess a person’s knowledge in a variety of ways, but there is always a leap, an inference that we make about what a person does in relation to what it signifies about what he knows.

Meanwhile, evaluation is perhaps the most complex and least understood of the terms. Inherent in the idea of evaluation is "value." When we evaluate, what we are doing is engaging in some process that is designed to provide information that will help us make a judgment about a given situation. Generally, any evaluation process requires information about the situation in question. A situation is an umbrella term that takes into account such ideas as objectives, goals, standards, procedures, and so on. When we evaluate, we are saying that the process will yield information regarding the worthiness, appropriateness, goodness, validity, legality, etc., of something for which a reliable measurement or assessment has been made. To sum up, we measure distance, we assess learning, and we evaluate results in terms of some set of criteria. These three terms are certainly connected, but it is useful to think of them as separate but connected ideas and processes.

The key concepts in assesment are also clarified by Cameron (2002). She states that evaluation refers to a broader notion than assessment, and refers to a process of systematically collecting information in order to make a judgment. Evaluation can thus concern a whole range of issues in and beyond language education: lesson, courses, programs, and skills can all be evaluated. If we were to evaluate a course, we would need to collect many different types of information: course information, observation of lessons, interviews with pupils and teachers, course feedback questionnaires, examination results. Analyzing and combining the different types of information would enable a judgment to be made about the success, or the viability, or cost-effectiveness, of the course.

She further states that assessment is concerned with pupil’s learning or performance, and thus provides one type of information that might be used in evaluation. Testing is a particular form of assessment, that is connected with measuring learning through performance.

As Scanlan (2003) states, to many teachers (and students), “assessment” simply means giving students tests and assigning them grades. This conception of assessment is not only limited, but also limiting. It fails to take into account both the utility of assessment and its importance in the teaching/learning process.
In the most general sense, as he states, assessment is the process of making a judgment or measurement of worth of an entity (e.g., person, process, or program). Educational assessment involves gathering and evaluating data evolving from planned learning activities or programs. This form of assessment is often referred to as evaluation (see section below on Assessment versus Evaluation). Learner assessment represents a particular type of educational assessment normally conducted by teachers and designed to serve several related purpose (Brissenden and Slater, n.d.). These purposed include: motivating and directing learning, providing feedback to student on their performance, providing feedback on instruction and/or the curriculum, and ensuring standards of progression are met


Why Assessment

For teachers and curriculum/course designers, carefully constructed learner assessment techniques can help determining whether or not the stated goals are being achieved. According to Brissenden and Slater (year unknown) as cited by Scanlan (2003), classroom assessment can help teachers answer the following specific questions:
To what extent are my students achieving the stated goals?
How should I allocate class time for the current topic?
Can I teach this topic in a more efficient or effective way?
What parts of this course/unit are my students finding most valuable?
How will I change this course/unit the next time I teach it?
Which grades do I assign my students?

Meanwhile, for students, learner assessment answers a different set of questions:
Do I know what my instructor thinks is most important?
Am I mastering the course content?
How can I improve the way I study in this course?
What grade am I earning in this course?

Explaining the importance of assesment, Brissenden and Slater as cited by Scanlan (2003) states that first and foremost, assessment is important because it drives students learning. Whether we like it or not, most students tend to focus their energies on the best or most expeditious way to pass their ‘tests.’ Based on this knowledge, we can use our assessment strategies to manipulate the kinds of learning that takes place. For example, assessment strategies that focus predominantly on recall of knowledge will likely promote superficial learning. On the other hand, if we choose assessment strategies that demand critical thinking or creative problem-solving, we are likely to realize a higher level of student performance or achievement. In addition, good assessment can help students become more effective self-directed learners.

As indicated above, motivating and directing learning is only one purpose of assessment. Well-designed assessment strategies also play a critical role in educational decision-making and are a vital component of ongoing quality improvement processes at the lesson, course and/or curriculum level.


Assessment versus Evaluation and Grading

In terms of why and how the measurements are made, the following table (Apple & Krumsieg, 1998) as cited by Scanlan (2003) compares and contrasts assessment and evaluation on several important dimension, some of which were previously defined.
Dimension Assessment Evaluation
Timing Formative Summative
Focus of Measurement Process-Oriented Product-Oriented
Relationship Between Administrator and Recipient Reflective Prescriptive
Findings and Uses Diagnostic Judgmental
Modifiability of Criteria, Measures Flexible Fixed
Standards of Measurement Absolute (Individual) Comparative
Relation Between Objects of A/E Cooperative Competitive
The bottom line? Given the different meaning ascribed to these terms by some educators, it is probably best that whenever you use these terms, you make your definitions clear.

Based on the above discussion, grading grading could be considered a component of assessment, i.e., a formal, summative, final and product-oriented judgment of overall quality of worth of a student's performance or achievement in a particular educational activity, e.g., a course. Generally, grading also employs a comparative standard of measurement and sets up a competitive relationship between those receiving the grades. Most proponents of assessment, however, would argue that grading and assessment are two different things, or at least opposite pole on the evaluation spectrum. For them, assessment measures student growth and progress on an individual basis, emphasizing informal, formative, process-oriented reflective feedback and communication between student and teacher. Ultimately, which conception you supports probably depends more on your teaching philosophy than anything else.


Some Key Concepts in Assesment

To ensure our comprehension on assessment, some important concepts in assesment are noted by Cameron (2002) as follows.

1. Formative and summative assessment
Formative assessment aims to inform ongoing teaching and learning by providing immediate feedback. A teacher who assesses pupils’ understanding of a listening text and uses the outcomes to change her plan and give more practice before moving on to a speaking activity, is carrying out formative assessment. Ideally, formative assessment should influence both teaching and learning by giving feedback to both teacher and learner. Summative assessment, on the other hand, aims to asses learning at the end of a unit, term, year, or course, and does not feed back into the next round of teaching.

2. Diagnostic and Achievement Assessment
Many assessment activities provide both formative and summative information, but it is helpful to be clear as to the primary purpose and one of an assessment because this can affect what kind of information the activity needs to produce. An assessment of pronunciation skills that a formative will need to tell us where pupils are having difficulty so that the teacher can decide how to give extra practice; a test that gives a list of marks will not help the teacher make such decisions, but an activity that produces a description of each child’s performance will. This example highlights the distinction between assessing achievement, i.e. what a learner can do, and diagnostic assessment that aims to establish what a child can and can not yet do, so that further learning opportunities can be provided.

3. Criterion-referenced and Norm-referenced Assessment
If we assess learner’s achievement, we can produce a ranking of learners which says that child X has learnt more than child Y and less that child Z; this would be norm-referenced. Alternatively, we can compare a learner’s performance, not to other learners, but to a set of criteria of expected performance or learning targets. Criterion-referenced assesment can match the child’s performance against an expected response on an item, or it may make use of a set of descriptors along a scale, on which a learner is placed.

4. Validity
The concepts of validity and reliability are used to describe the technical quality of assessment practices. They are more often applied to testing, although are also important in alternative assessment. Validity is more important, particularly in alternative assessment, and concerns how far an assesment assesses what it claims to. If a test does not measure what it claims to, then there are clearly dangers in using it.

5. Reliability
Reliability measures how well a test or assessment assesses what it claims to: would the assessment produce the same results if it were taken by the same pupils on different occasions, or if the same test or assesment was scored by different people? (Gipps and Stobart, 1993).
Validity and reliability can be conflicting needs for assessment techniques and procedures. The most reliable assessments will be pencil and paper tests in which each item measures only a single aspect of a skill and which give each testee a numerical mark. But the most valid assessments will be on those that collect a lot of information about performance on several aspects of a skill. When validity increased, reliability decreased.


Types and Approaches to Assessment

Numerous terms are used to describe different types and approaches to learner assessment. Although somewhat arbitrary, it is useful to these various terms as representing dichotomous poles as explained by Scanlan (2003).
Formative <---------------------------------> Summative
Informal <---------------------------------> Formal
Continuous <----------------------------------> Final
Process <---------------------------------> Product
Divergent <---------------------------------> Convergent

1. Formative vs. Summative Assessment
Formative assessment is designed to assist the learning process by providing feedback to the learner, which can be used to identify strengths and weakness and hence improve future performance. Formative assessment is most appropriate where the results are to be used internally by those involved in the learning process (students, teachers, curriculum developers).
Summative assessment is used primarily to make decisions for grading or determine readiness for progression. Typically summative assessment occurs at the end of an educational activity and is designed to judge the learner’s overall performance. In addition to providing the basis for grade assignment, summative assessment is used to communicate students’ abilities to external stakeholders, e.g., administrators and employers.

2. Informal vs. Formal Assessment
With informal assessment, the judgments are integrated with other tasks, e.g., lecturer feedback on the answer to a question or preceptor feedback provided while performing a bedside procedure. Informal assessment is most often used to provide formative feedback. As such, it tends to be less threatening and thus less stressful to the student. However, informal feedback is prone to high subjectivity or bias.
Formal assessment occurs when students are aware that the task that they are doing is for assessment purposes, e.g., a written examination or OSCE. Most formal assessments also are summative in nature and thus tend to have greater motivation impact and are associated with increased stress. Given their role in decision-making, formal assessments should be held to higher standards of reliability and validity than informal assessments.

3. Continuous vs. Final Assessment
Continuous assessment occurs throughout a learning experience (intermittent is probably a more realistic term). Continuous assessment is most appropriate when student and/or instructor knowledge of progress or achievement is needed to determine the subsequent progression or sequence of activities. Continuous assessment provides both students and teachers with the information needed to improve teaching and learning in process. Obviously, continuous assessment involves increased effort for both teacher and student. Final (or terminal) assessment is that which takes place only at the end of a learning activity. It is most appropriate when learning can only be assessed as a complete whole rather than as constituent parts. Typically, final assessment is used for summative decision-making. Obviously, due to its timing, final assessment cannot be used for formative purposes.

4. Process vs. Product Assessment
Process assessment focuses on the steps or procedures underlying a particular ability or task, i.e., the cognitive steps in performing a mathematical operation or the procedure involved in analyzing a blood sample. Because it provides more detailed information, process assessment is most useful when a student is learning a new skill and for providing formative feedback to assist in improving performance.
Product assessment focuses on evaluating the result or outcome of a process. Using the above examples, we would focus on the answer to the math computation or the accuracy of the blood test results. Product assessment is most appropriate for documenting proficiency or competency in a given skill, i.e., for summative purposes. In general, product assessments are easier to create than product assessments, requiring only a specification of the attributes of the final product.

5. Divergent vs. Convergent Assessment
Divergent assessments are those for which a range of answers or solutions might be considered correct. Examples include essay tests, and solutions to the typical types of indeterminate problems posed in PBL. Divergent assessments tend to be more authentic and most appropriate in evaluating higher cognitive skills. However, these types of assessment are often time consuming to evaluate and the resulting judgments often exhibit poor reliability. A convergent assessment has only one correct response (per item). Objective test items are the best example and demonstrate the value of this approach in assessing knowledge. Obviously, convergent assessments are easier to evaluate or score than divergent assessments. Unfortunately, this “ease of use” often leads to their widespread application of this approach even when contrary to good assessment practices. Specifically, the familiarity and ease with which convergent assessment tools can be applied leads to two common evaluation fallacies: the Fallacy of False Quantification (the tendency to focus on what’s easiest to measure) and the Law of the Instrument Fallacy (molding the evaluation problem to fit the tool).


Assessment on Language Competence

To evaluate the learners’ ability to use a language, assessment should be geared to measuring their communicative competences or language proficiency. Omaggio (1883: 2) ini Burhan (2009: 41) summarizes that language proficiency includes the mastery of these competences:
1. Grammatical Competence
Grammatical competence includes knowledge of vocabulary and rules of pronunciation/spelling, word-formations, and sentence formations. Such competence is an important concern for the communicative approach ini order for the learners to understand and express accurately the literal meaning of utterances
2. Sociolinguistic Competence
It addresses the extent to which grammatical forms can be used or understood appropriately to communicate in various social settings.
3. Discourse Competence
Discourse competence refers to the mastery or combining sentences and ideas to achieve unified spoken and written text through cohesion in forms and coherence in thought
4. Strategic Competence
Such competence is the ability of the language users to use verbal and nonverbal communication strategies when the communication is interrupted due to interference, distraction, or inadequate other competences

To put it another way, to measure the learners’ language proficiency is to assess the learners’ language acquisition. Acquiring a language means getting the ability to use the language in real communication which demands appropriate functions of language.

Fifth and Macintosh (1984: 10) in Burhan (2009: 96) state that there are two approaches in doing the assessment as follows.
1. The Pragmatic Approach
This approach is concerned with the actuality of the teaching-learning situations. It is an assesment of what is going on in the classroom. It is an assesment of what is going on in the classroom. It is done to discriminate between the learners and the analysis of the result is intended to ensure that the assesment is well balanced. The choice of the assesment techniques depends on the opportunities presented by unexpected outcomes. The final grading is postponed until all outcomes of assesment can be properly balanced and adjusted.
2. The Predetermined Approach
The predertermined approach relies on the plan set up before. In this approach, the objectives are set up the outset of the instruction and some criteria are formulated to determine the level of mastery. Pretesting and posttesting of assesment material are carried out to ensure that it is appropriate to the learners and relevant to the subject being taught and to ensure that the results are taken into account.
3. Techniques of Assesment
There is a considerable range of techniques to measure the abilities and acquired skills of the learners. The selection of the technique of several techniques depends on (1) the purpose of the assesment, (2) the time and resources, and (3) the age and the ability of the learners. Several techniques can be applied and Fifth and Macintosh (1984: 52) lists the techniques as follows: (1) written assesment, (2) practical assesment, (3) oral assesment and aural assesment, (4) learner questionnaires, and (5) coursework (including projects and fieldwork).
4. Evaluation Criteria for Language Proficiency
Communicative competence of second or foreign language learners can be determined on the basis of the following three coexisting and interrelated hierarchies of judgmental criteria: (1) function, (2) content, and (3) accuracy. The question that must be asked is “What were they able to communicate, and how well?”. The what refers to the topic or context. The How well refers to the linguistic accuracy and cultural authenticity. The first and the second criteria, seem to be concerned mainly with the use (of language) and the situation (in which the language is used) while the third criterion is based on the form. Put it more technical way, criteria one and two are sociolinguistically oriented, and the third linguistically oriented.


Principles for Good Assesment

Another important question on assesment is: what principles which provide the most essential, fundamental "structure" of assessment knowledge and skills that result in effective educational practices and improved student learning? McMillan (2000) tries to elaborate the principles as follows.

1. Assessment is inherently a process of professional judgment.
2. Assessment is based on separate but related principles of measurement evidence and evaluation.
3. Assessment decision-making is influenced by a series of tensions.
4. Assessment influences student motivation and learning.
5. Assessment contains error.
6. Good assessment enhances instruction.
7. Good assessment is valid.
8. Good assessment is fair and ethical.
9. Good assessments use multiple methods.
10. Good assessment is efficient and feasible.
11. Good assessment appropriately incorporates technology.


Testing: Why and How

Testing is certainly not the only way to assess students, but there are many good reasons for including a test in our language course, as stated by Frost (2004).
1. A test can give the teacher valuable information about where the students are in their learning and can affect what the teacher will cover next. They will help a teacher to decide if her teaching has been effective and help to highlight what needs to be reviewed. Testing can be as much an assessment of the teaching as the learning
2. Tests can give students a sense of accomplishment as well as information about what they know and what they need to review.
3. Tests can also have a positive effect in that they encourage students to review material covered on the course.

However, Frost (2004) also notes why testing doesn't work. According to him, there are many arguments against using tests as a form of assessment:
1. Some students become so nervous that they can't perform and don't give a true account of their knowledge or ability
2. Other students can do well with last-minute cramming despite not having worked throughout the course
3. Once the test has finished, students can just forget all that they had learned
4. Students become focused on passing tests rather than learning to improve their language skills.

Frost (2004) admits that using only tests as a basis for assessment has obvious drawbacks. They are 'one-off' events that do not necessarily give an entirely fair account of a student's proficiency. As we have already mentioned, some people are more suited to them than others. There are other alternatives that can be used instead of or alongside tests.
1. Continuous assessment
Teachers give grades for a number of assignments over a period of time. A final grade is decided on a combination of assignments.
2. Portfolio
A student collects a number of assignments and projects and presents them in a file. The file is then used as a basis for evaluation.
3. Self-assessment
The students evaluate themselves. The criteria must be carefully decided upon beforehand.
4. Teacher's assessment
The teacher gives an assessment of the learner for work done throughout the course including classroom contributions.


Conclusion

To summarize, what is most essential about assessment is understanding how general, fundamental assessment principles and ideas can be used to enhance student learning and teacher effectiveness. This will be achieved as teachers and administrators learn about conceptual and technical assessment concepts, methods, and procedures, for both large-scale and classroom assessments, and apply these fundamentals to instruction. Finally, the comprehension on the assessment principles will guide the assessment training and professional development of teachers and administrators to run more productive assessment.















References


Burhan, Akhyar. 2009. Second Language Teaching and Linguistics. Palembag:
Grafika Telindo Press.

Cameron, Lynne. 2001. Teaching Languages to Young Learners. UK: Cambridge
University Press.

Frost, Richard. 2004. Testing and assessment. Retrieved at May 27, 2010 from
http://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/think/articles/testing-assessment.

Hughes, Arthur. 2000. Testing for Language Teachers. UK: Cambridge
University Press.
Kizlik, Bob. 2010. Measurement, Assessment, and Evaluation in Education. Retrieved at May 27, 2010 from http://www.adprima.com/measurement.htm.
McMillan, James H. (2000). Fundamental assessment principles for teachers and
school administrators. Practical Assessment, Research & Evaluation, 7(8).
Retrieved June 6, 2010 from http://PAREonline.net/getvn.asp?v=7&n=8.

Scanlan, Craig L. 2003. Assessment, Evaluation, Testing and Grading. Retrieved
at May 27, 2010 from
http://www.umdnj.edu/idsweb/idst5350/assess_eval_test_grade.htm

23 komentar:

  1. Dear Mrs Djihadi,

    I just loved reading through your article and ideas!!!
    I am actually doing a PhD on assessment in Albania and I would be more than grateful if we can share ideas and attitudes towards assessment in English language teaching.

    I am looking forward to receiving your reply,

    Best regards,
    Laureta Vavla
    Albania

    loridimashi@hotmail.com

    BalasHapus
  2. Sure Vavla,
    its great to share ideas on ELT with everyone, you can contact me via email on agustinadjihadi@yahoo.com.

    Have a nice day :)

    BalasHapus
  3. Personal comment from someone who is not a teacher... Please correct me if you see something out of order.
    The base of the assessment process is the combination of different stages (preparing, data collecting, making judgments, making decision, and reporting.) But all of them should be following the same principles.
    According to McMillan (2000), the principles can be developed bringing into consideration the influences of student motivation and learning. As a personal experience, those abstract classes (painting, drawing, etc.) were like torture for me, but all my peers seemed to like them; joy and happiness fled the whole classroom when that time of the week came in. The professor put a good effort trying to make it interesting knowing we just did not feel right, but for a few of us was simply not right.
    After several years trying to understand why the professor was so enthusiastic about his subject I realize that he was just doing his job. As teachers, professors, facilitator or any other title in the educator´s side, making the students part of the class and attempt to immerse them into the lessons is, or at least, must be their main concern. Most likely, because they will be rating the student´s performance, therefore, he wanted to make students aware that it was going to be one of great importance choices for them.
    The concern alone is not enough. The assessment process on that arts class was so confusing, at least from my point of view. The mixtures, textures, tones, all of those were making us crazy. Another fact that I now realize, none of my classmates, even the most “advanced” students in that particular class went out of order when comes the time to criticize. The assessment process is inherently a process of professional judgment. For someone that is not specialist on the specific topic is better not to start criticizing, or trying to play with the evaluation of results without mastering the processes.
    Based on the practices of a good assessment as fair and ethical, is meant to add that the decisions on the evaluation process should be based on a specific set of instructions, preconceptions or a reference in which the process of teaching will be lead in order to accomplish the goals set. To do so, multiple methods can be implemented during the classes. My arts professors attempt to use music as a relaxation technique during our round the clock sessions, from 8 to 8... Special offer only available on weekends.
    The efficiency and feasibility were always encompassed among different degrees. According to the knowledgeable people at that moment, the principal, always praise our dedication and somehow made our physics professor a little softer with the exams that period. From different viewpoints, the efficiency of the test may vary, usually depending on the exposure of the subject. This is why, the assessment should be left for the experts, the professionals, to avoid misunderstandings, misleads, and all other misses.
    The usage of the technology available at the moment is, perhaps, the most evident proof for students that a professor is up-to-date. That makes a professor friendlier to even the most reactive students, like some people taking that class. Ethical and valid is the assessment that encompasses the different standpoints with equity of terms and valuing the effort.
    In the end the principles of measurement (evidence & evaluation) are the ultimate rule. The people who showed up at the final exposition had a grade the ones that miss it, did not get any grade at all. Not so fair, but if a student miss an exam that was announced since before the school year begun, sometimes fairness is set aside and left place for the preconceptions, the planned objective. With a kind of pressure like that, as you can bet, influenced students to do their best, is valid, ethical, enhanced instructions, decision-making, incorporated new technologies and was somehow fair. The assessment process is more than just why and how, is a whole world of facts that come out at the moment an educator faces a class.

    BalasHapus
  4. Komentar ini telah dihapus oleh pengarang.

    BalasHapus
    Balasan
    1. I found very interested this article because is giving me an idea about some concepts that we are using as teachers. and how each one differs from the other. But at the end, I understand that, whatever is the name given by experts to the method used to test our students, the final object is to know how far is the knowledge internalized in their minds. It is important to get information about the student's learning to see if they are achieving their goals. If not , we can make changes to help them to do it. That is what assessment can do for us, guide us to a better comprehension about the teaching and learning process because allow us to make progressive changes if they are need it. As many researches says the three concepts should be linking at the moment to produce an school program; curriculum, instruction and assessment, and all of them must work together to accomplish the final objective

      Hapus
  5. As I read in a Mr. Pellegrino's research (Rethinking and Redesigning Curriculum,Instruction and Assessment:What Contemporary Research and Theory,2006) which I will recommend to be read it, technology can be very helpful to produce a most efficiently assessment because can combine the three aspects (curriculum, instruction and assessment) in order to produce the best results. So in a modern educational system technology would be a useful tool of assessment, and we can take advantage of it.

    BalasHapus
  6. In my opinion, this particular essay provides information about Measurement, testing, assessment, and evaluation. This paper state the differences between various forms of tests and assessments, becoming familiarized with different test-preparing/test-taking strategies will help us build our confidence and our ability to learn. After reviewing this reading, we should have better ideas in terms of applying appropriate strategies and skills to different forms of assessments, as well as understanding the importance of academic integrity and its relation to varieties of assessments. As we work through different materials, we are quite related to these issues, we find examples of different types of assessments as well as what they are intended to measure, and strategies for studying and completing them successfully. Also in this essay we also discover skills that will help us with our professional career by supporting us in becoming a life-long learner, Assessment, Evaluation, and Testing.

    BalasHapus
  7. Mrs. Djihadi,
    Thank you so much for sharing with teachers and students around the world your findings about assessment in English language teaching. I think it is a great contribution for us since you have succeeded on centering your paper on the most relevant areas of measurement, assessment, evaluation, and testing.

    For many of us, these four concepts are closely related but we do not know exactly the difference among them and through this paper we can be more aware of this variation. I think you have provided different explanations on the same terms from different authors and they have all contributed to explain them and make them clear for the readers.

    I liked reading the complete paper, especially parts like: “Types of assessment” since I did not know there were so many types. The section “Assessment on language competences” was very enlightening too because it is very important to know what aspects to assess from our students’ communicative competences. Other instructive elements were “The techniques of Assessment” because they help us vary and not focus on the same ones. Also, “The Evaluation Criteria for Language Proficiency helped me examine a better way to assess my students’ communicative skills.

    In addition, the section: “Principles for Good Assessment” provides deep thoughts on how to assess well based on the statements related to what assessment is and what it is not, which helps clearly distinguish it. Finally, the part subtitled: “Testing Why and How” presented me valuable reasons to test as well as tests alternatives.

    Thanks again for your remarkable contribution to education!!!
    Regards,
    Griquelme

    BalasHapus
  8. Mrs. Djihadi,

    This blog is of helpful for those who are trying to led their foundations onthe knowledge of what really are the differences between Measurement, Assessment, Evaluation, and Testing.
    For me one of the most important contributions of it is the Assessment on Language Competence that summarizes that language proficiency includes the mastery of these competences:
    1. Grammatical Competence
    2. Sociolinguistic Competence
    3. Discourse Competence
    4. Strategic Competence
    All of these competences mix together help to measure the learners’ language proficiency and to assess the learners’ language acquisition. Acquiring a language means getting the ability to use the language in real communication which demands appropriate functions of language.

    Another important point in mention is Principles for Good Assesment that which provide the most essential, fundamental "structure" of assessment knowledge and skills that result in effective educational practices and improved student learning like:
    The assessment is inherently a process of professional judgment, influences student motivation and learning,decision-making is influenced by a series of tensions, use multiple methods,etc.

    Thanks for this super support you give us,
    Regards,
    Violeta Serna Sjogreen

    BalasHapus
    Balasan
    1. Marisol Ortega, November 2, 2012
      Mrs. Djihadi,
      I must say that you’ve done a great job and contribution not just for language teachers, but to those that teach any other subject. Your article lays a foundation for understanding good assessment practices to enhance our teaching. It clearly states the differences between measurement, evaluation, testing and assessment and how they are interrelated.
      As a language teacher, I totally agree that to evaluate the learners’ ability to use a language, assessment should be geared to measure language proficiency. The definition of grammatical competence in this article called my attention too because it is not just referring to the production of correct grammatical structures, but to a broader scope that includes rules of pronunciation /spelling, word formations and understanding of utterances. Intelligibility of utterances is one aspect that has to be taken into account because a conversation is kept flowing when there is understanding. The linguistics aspects of sociolinguistic competence, discourse competence and strategic competence are also taken into account. These are aspects that have to be taught to students. The proper register is a very important aspect since every linguistic situation is different. The written aspects, cohesion and coherence, of the written language should not be ignored. The practice of proper writing is also connected to the proper production of well structured speech.
      Verbal and nonverbal communication, how to know when one is misunderstood and what to say in such situation, and what to do if he doesn´t know something or what verb forms to use are useful strategies that help in everyday use of the language.

      Hapus
  9. This arcticle is very interesting!! It provides information from different sources about the differences between measurement, assessment, evaluation and testing. We as teachers should have clear ideas and strategies on why and how can we apply these fundamental assessment principles to our students in order to enhance their language proficiency. If these principles are clear, objective, effective teachers can achieve the main goal they want from their students based in some language competence such as: Grammar, sociolinguistics, discourse and other areas. On the other hand, fundamental assessment will help the planning, training, and development of classes from professional teachers to have more effective assessment results during the English Language Teaching. Now, I know that there are techniques I can take into consideration when I'm going to assess my students and each one of them (testing, evaluation, assessment, measurement) have different specific functions and objectives.

    BalasHapus
  10. I consider this article very interesting and important for teachers so this article tells how important is to measure the students knowledge and their abilities, the importance of assessment, testing and evaluation. These points are connected in the learning process so it is necessary to collect information, measure and test the students’ knowledge. The article provides teachers to understand the importance to achieve the goals expected in order students needs. The importance of diagnostic and achievement assessment really like me because it said that it is helpful to be clear in the purpose because this affect the information the activities needs to produce and I also like assessment on language competence.
    I really appreciate the information that I found in this article that is pretty good and helpful.

    BalasHapus
  11. qualitative analysis sort take hold of to pass judgment a harmless fixed groundwork for the flow common option for nigh adult they determine lay
    down out to estimate destined that you are monitoring him, but he is to a greater extent want
    5s or 10s? Of aliment existence a adoring mom or your
    move at several touch on or another, whatsoever dr drew dating advice chemical analysis form
    catch to pick out a strongbox assured bottom
    for the topical touristed choice for well-nigh female they intention sleep with
    to reckon careful that you are observance him, but he is solon variety 5s or
    10s? Of layer state a loving mom or your collaborator at few mark or another,
    approximately
    my web page > dating advice almost daily

    BalasHapus
  12. I really like what you guys tend to be up too. Such clever work
    and exposure! Keep up the superb works guys I've included you guys to blogroll.
    Also see my webpage: arsenal transfer news david villa

    BalasHapus
  13. Heya i am for the primary time here. I came across
    this board and I find It truly useful & it helped me out a lot.
    I hope to provide something back and aid others
    like you aided me.
    My weblog : manchester united transfer news 2012

    BalasHapus
  14. Spot on with this write-up, I really think this web
    site needs a lot more attention. I'll probably be back again to read more, thanks for the advice!
    Look into my homepage - comprar perfume

    BalasHapus
  15. We are a gaggle of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community.
    Your web site provided us with useful info to work on.
    You've performed an impressive job and our entire community will likely be thankful to you.
    Here is my page ; pizza games for kids

    BalasHapus
  16. make οut all the levels within οf comraԁelіness is Bаѕісallу built into the game itself rather than beingness a
    conscious effort. carte pгomotes kіssіng disease-Union ԁecκs by imрlemеnting Kick upstаirs this Thomaѕ thе tank car railway
    locomοtive fгiends site.

    BalasHapus
  17. Noω ԁue to conceptiοn and teсhnological progress
    these Defenԁers оffers an unbelieνable drudge-and-slash tower-defense Sеe fοr уоu anԁ up to threeѕome
    frienԁs and is uѕeable on PSΝ, XBLA, and steamеr.

    When it's over the electric outlet, Shakira delivered a very much-discussed, Demo-stopping public presentation of "Ojos As " and took place Unplugged-related trophies for Best distaff Pop Vocal and Best female rock 'n' roll vocal.

    Check out my homepage game

    BalasHapus
  18. An enlаrgement Carrу was highlу-devеlοpeԁ by
    Mаd Doc Softωаre called conglomeгate to dig intο the mystегіes of Skyrim fгom ԁeаls with anсient ԁеmons to discovering Guіld sесrеts.
    Fіnally, games contаinіng grow cognitіvе content fοr the саts.

    Rοly Poly soіl haѕ entire prіsοn term modeгatοгs аnd fіlters
    to Get thіs a cuгlеr-coasteг anԁ Tгу out it out.


    Feеl free to viѕit my web-site: game

    BalasHapus
  19. ini paparan tentang MOTOR YAMAHA XEON RC,Sepeda Motor Keren,Cepat,dan Canggih product yamaha indonesia yaitu MOTOR sebagai seorang konsumen yang cerdas paham perlindungan konsumen,seperti program pemerintah bagaimana cara Konsumen Cerdas Paham Perlindungan Konsumen seutuhnya,
    jelas sangat Penting, Panas, Perlu dan Seruu jika kita menyimak barometer berita terkini yang hot penting, Panas, Perlu dan Seruu juga bagaimana kita bisa belajar di
    Sekolah Belajar Forex FBS Indonesia yang belajar secara cerdas dan seru di Sekolah Belajar Forex FBS Indonesia dan juga simak Iconia PC Tablet dengan Windows 8 dengan OS Windows 8
    ultrabook terbaru juga
    anekahosting.com web hosting murah terbaik di indonesia thanks ya..

    BalasHapus
  20. Dear djihadi .
    U r article was really helpful. I'm going to pass my magister this month ( September ) about the term: assessment abs testing in English language education. I wish u can help me.
    My best regards
    I.chess@hotmail.fr

    BalasHapus
  21. thank you so much.... it a quite interesting subject

    BalasHapus

any ideas to share?