Testing-Context Analysis: Assessment Is Just Another Part of Language Curriculum Development

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  • Author(s): Brown, James Dean
  • Language:
    English
  • Source:
    Language Assessment Quarterly. 2008 5(4):275-312.
  • Publication Date:
    2008
  • Document Type:
    Journal Articles
    Reports - Evaluative
  • Additional Information
    • Availability:
      Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
    • Peer Reviewed:
      Y
    • Source:
      38
    • Education Level:
      Higher Education
    • Subject Terms:
      Language Usage; Curriculum Development; Testing; Language Tests; English (Second Language); Evaluation; Stakeholders; Construct Validity; Test Interpretation; Statistical Analysis; Scores; Qualitative Research; Interviews; Data Collection; Item Response Theory; Structural Equation Models; Criterion Referenced Tests
    • Subject Terms:
      Hawaii
    • Accession Number:
      10.1080/15434300802457455
    • ISSN:
      1543-4303
    • Abstract:
      In keeping with the theme of the International Language Testing Association/Language Testing Research Colloquium Conference in 2008, "Focusing on the Core: Justifying the Use of Language Assessments to Stakeholders," I define "stakeholder-friendly tests," "defensible testing," and "testing-context analysis." I then go on to discuss the rational for stakeholder-friendly testing and testing-context analysis and delineate the stages (and steps) involved in any testing-context analysis as follows: (a) get ready to do the testing-context analysis (define the purpose of the test, delimit the stakeholders, decide on options, recognize constraints, and select data collection procedures), (b) do the testing-context analysis (collect data, analyze data, and interpret results), and (c) use the testing-context analysis (determine the impact of the results on testing, implement testing procedures and decision making, report on the testing-context analysis, and decide on directions for further research). I also briefly describe and discuss an example testing-context analysis (the ongoing Eiken testing-context analysis) that illustrates how this framework can be applied. I end by considering the benefits that can be derived from testing-context analysis and how it can help justify the use of language assessments to stakeholders. (Contains 13 tables and 3 figures.)
    • Abstract:
      As Provided
    • Number of References:
      60
    • Publication Date:
      2010
    • Accession Number:
      EJ876398