CGSLA Chap 15 Flashcards
What is an Achievement Test?
A test used to evaluate how much students have accomplished with respect to the learning objectives in a particular language course.
Achievement tests assess the extent of learning achieved by students.
What is an Admission Test?
A test used to determine whether a student should be admitted to a language program.
Admission tests help institutions screen applicants for language programs.
Define Authenticity in the context of language testing.
The extent to which test tasks resemble real-world language tasks.
Authenticity ensures that tests reflect actual language use.
What does the term Construct refer to in testing?
The underlying ability or skill that a test aims to measure, which cannot be directly observed.
Constructs are theoretical concepts that tests attempt to quantify.
What is a Criterion-Referenced Test (CRT)?
A test where an examinee’s performance is measured against a set standard or objective rather than in comparison to the scores of others.
CRTs focus on specific learning objectives.
What is the purpose of a Diagnostic Assessment?
A test given to identify learners’ strengths and weaknesses in relation to the learning objectives of a specific course.
Diagnostic assessments are often used at the beginning of a course.
What is Direct Testing?
Assessing a skill by requiring a performance of it, such as a speaking test requiring speaking.
Direct testing can sometimes be problematic in its application.
What does a Discrete-Point Test assess?
Specific, isolated elements of language ability through separate test items.
Discrete-point tests often utilize multiple choice formats.
What is Formative Assessment?
An assessment carried out during a course of instruction that aims to give feedback to teachers and learners.
Formative assessments help adjust teaching methods and learning focus.
What characterizes an Integrated Test?
A test that requires examinees to use multiple language skills simultaneously.
Integrated tests often reflect more authentic and communicative tasks.
Define Measurement Error in testing.
Inherent variations or inconsistencies in test scores that make them imperfect reflections of examinees’ true abilities.
Measurement errors can affect the reliability of test results.
What is a Norm-Referenced Test (NRT)?
A test in which an examinee’s results are interpreted by comparing them to the scores of other test-takers.
NRTs rank students against each other.
What is the purpose of a Placement Test?
A test designed to place students into the appropriate level in a language program.
Placement tests ensure students are matched with suitable course levels.
What does Practicality refer to in testing?
The degree to which a test is feasible to administer in terms of resources like time, money, and personnel.
Practicality affects the implementation of assessments.
What is a Proficiency Test?
A test that assesses an examinee’s overall language ability, irrespective of any particular curriculum.
Proficiency tests measure general language skills.
What does a Progress Test measure?
Students’ learning progress relative to course objectives while instruction is ongoing.
Progress tests are typically administered periodically.
Define Reliability in the context of testing.
The consistency of test scores over repeated administrations or among different raters.
Reliable tests yield stable results across different conditions.
What is a Screening Test?
A test used to decide if a person is qualified for a job or some other kind of qualification.
Screening tests are often part of selection processes.
What is Selected-Response Assessment?
A test format where examinees select an answer from a pre-determined set of options.
Examples include multiple choice, true/false, and matching.
What defines a Semi-Direct Test?
A speaking test in which test takers speak into a recording device rather than interacting directly with an interlocutor.
Semi-direct tests provide a controlled environment for assessment.
What is a Standardized Assessment?
A test that is created for wide administration and used for purposes of admissions, placement, or overall program evaluation.
Standardized assessments ensure uniformity in testing.
What characterizes a Subjective Assessment?
A test that requires a human to score responses based on judgment.
Subjective assessments can introduce variability based on the rater.
What is a Summative Assessment?
An assessment administered at the end of a course or unit to evaluate the total learning of students.
Summative assessments often lead to grades or scores.
Define Target Language Use (TLU) Domain.
The real-world context in which test takers will use their language skills, and which the test is intended to predict.
TLU domains help ensure relevance in testing.
