TESTING, ASSESSING, AND TEACHING
TESTING
● A structured method of measuring a learner's knowledge, skills, and abilities in a
particular subject. It usually consists of a set of standardized questions or tasks
to evaluate performance.
● Example: A multiple-choice English proficiency test that measures grammar and
vocabulary knowledge.
ASSESSING
● A broader process that involves collecting, interpreting, and using information
about students' progress and achievements to improve learning outcomes.
● Example: A teacher observing students' class participation and providing
constructive feedback.
TEACHING
● The process of imparting knowledge, skills, and values to learners through
various instructional methods and strategies.
● Example: A math teacher explaining algebra concepts through step-by-step
problem-solving.
ASSESSMENT AND TEACHING
INFORMAL AND FORMAL ASSESSMENT
● Informal Assessment - Unstructured and spontaneous methods such as
observations, class participation, and peer discussions to gauge students'
learning progress.
● Example: A teacher asking students to summarize a lesson in their own words
during a class discussion.
● Formal Assessment - Structured and systematic evaluation methods like
quizzes, exams, standardized tests, and projects used to measure learning
outcomes.
● Example: A final written exam that tests students on all topics covered in the
semester.
FORMATIVE AND SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
● Formative Assessment - Continuous assessment conducted during the learning
process to provide feedback and guide instruction.
● Example: A teacher giving students weekly quizzes to monitor their
understanding of the material.
● Summative Assessment - Final evaluation at the end of an instructional period
to measure overall achievement.
● Example: A term paper that serves as the final assessment for a literature
course.
NORM-REFERENCED AND CRITERION-REFERENCED TESTS
● Norm-Referenced Tests (NRT) - Compares a student's performance to a larger
group or norm group to determine relative ranking.
● Example: SAT or ACT exams that compare students' scores against a national
average.
● Criterion-Referenced Tests (CRT) - Measures a student's performance against
a fixed set of criteria or learning standards rather than comparing to peers.
● Example: A driving test where a learner must demonstrate specific skills to pass.
Approaches to Language Testing
DISCRETE-POINT AND INTEGRATIVE TESTING
● Discrete-Point Testing - Tests individual language components (grammar,
vocabulary, pronunciation) separately.
● Example: A multiple-choice test assessing verb tense usage.
● Integrative Testing - Assesses multiple language skills together, such as writing
essays or listening to a passage and summarizing it.
● Example: A TOEFL writing task requiring students to read a passage and write a
summary.
COMMUNICATIVE LANGUAGE TESTING
● Communicative Language Testing - Focuses on assessing language in real-life
contexts and practical communication.
● Example: A role-play activity where students act as customers and employees in
a store.
PERFORMANCE-BASED ASSESSMENT
● Evaluates students based on their ability to perform tasks that demonstrate
real-world skills.
● Example: A group presentation where students must research a topic and
present their findings to the class.
MS. GOLDEN - QUIZ (TOMORROW)
Characteristics of AA:
Realistic: AA tasks resemble real-life situations.
Requires Judgment and Innovation: There's often no single "right" answer.
Asks you to "do" the subject: You're actively engaged in using your knowledge arid
skills, not just passively recalling information.
Replicates real-world contexts: It simulates how adults are "tested" in their jobs or in
life.
Allows for practice and feedback: AA often involves a process where you can try
things out, get feedback, and improve your work.
Phases of AA:
Task Design: Creating a real-world task that's meaningful and relevant to what you've
learned.
Performance: You complete the task, demonstrating your knowledge and skills.
Evaluation: Your work is assessed based on clear criteria, often using a rubric. This
helps you understand your strengths and weaknesses.
Reflection: You think about your performance, what you learned, and how you can
improve.
