Course Information

Course Information
Students will do the following:
-survey varying approaches to evaluating language communication skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing);
-distinguish between tests designed for language proficiency from those designed to detect learning problems
-investigate models of language assessment
-examine standardized tests and their appropriate application, distinguishing between those that -assess knowledge of language structure from those that evaluate communicative skill

Course Objectives
The course gives potential ESL teachers the knowledge of the required methods of identifying, placing, monitoring, and exiting non-English background students. It helps students develop the ability to assess, select, administer, interpret and communicate the results of formal and informal assessment procedures. It gives students an awareness of the importance of using varied data sources to distinguish developmental stages of language acquisition.

Required Textbook
Brown, H.D. (2003). Language assessment: Principles and classroom practices. Pearson Education: New York.