testing grammar tsl3108.ppt-cpw
TRANSCRIPT
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ASSESSING/ TESTING GRAMMAR
TSL 3108IPG KBA
OGOS 2012
TEACHING OF GRAMMAR
IN THE PRIMARY CLASSROOM
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Let’s recap …
Roles of Assessment in Language TL:
Instructional decisions Administrative decisions Guidance decisions Research decisions
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What should we test?
We can test language (to find out what students have learned):
Skills Spelling Phonetics, Syntax, Semantics Grammar
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What is Grammar ?
The formal rules and structure of a language
The blue-print of a language
Gives ‘life’ to a language (Fuchs, 2009)
Together with vocabulary, serve as the language 2 main pillars
Difference between knowing the language/ comprehending and applying/ using it
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What are Grammar Tests (Assessment)?
Grammar tests are designed to measure learners language proficiency ranging from knowledge of rules ie. inflections to semantics, syntax and transformations The Objectives are :
1. To ensure the acquisition of right language rules
and structure during formal language sessions
2. To examine the relationship between learning
the language and understanding/ using it correctly
3. To identify factors which can impede grammar
learning and understanding/ applications.
4. To recognize, produce, and communicate using
the language effectively and efficiently .
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What assessment methods are available in testing grammar ?
Conventional-paper-and pencil style of standardized test - MCQ
Structured classroom observation
- Tasks and activities Alternative modes such as portfolios and
Self-assessment Why – Placement, Progress, Achievement
Summative, Formative
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Types of grammar tests :
Generally linguists agreed that there are 2
major types of grammar tests/ assessments: Syntactocentric Type - Discrete Items /Obj./
Competence /Recognition
Communicative Concern - Performance/Sub./
Integrative with other skills/
Direct /Production/ Authentic
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Assessing Grammar
Syntactocentric Communicative - Performance
Supply Type
Selection Type
Limited ProductionSituational / Contextual
Extended Production Tasks / Activities
(Intergrative)
• Short Answers• Completion/ Cloze
• Alternative response• Matching• Multiple choice
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Discrete-point tests
Examine one language point at a time, e.g. a multiple-choice format test in which students are tested on the use of prepositions
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Integrative Tests
The test “requires the students to combine many language elements in the completion of a task”.
Hughes, 2009.
It is a simultaneous measure of knowledge and ability of a variety of language features, modes, or skills via some performance
Redden, 2011.
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Direct Tests (Performance based)
A direct test is a test that claims to measure ability by eliciting student performance that approximates actual language behaviour.
An e.g. of a direct test to test writing ability is to have students write essays.
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Authentic Tests
An authentic test is one in which the activity that is performed closely resembles what is done outside the testing of the testing situation.
For e.g., if a test requires that you take down notes based on a lecture, this task can be considered authentic as it reflects what you may be required to do in real life.
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Performance based examinations These are tests that assess the students’ ability
to perform a specific task.
The performance test, therefore, is like a direct test. It is also often authentic and can be considered as being similar to a simulation.
For e.g. imagine the different communicative scenarios possible and determine ability based on a performance test according to that scenario.
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Types of Grammar Tests - Discrete Type
The MCQ - Objective
Easy to grade and able to cover a lot of grammatical points quickly
Error Correction
Identify the error from a list of options usually given in a sentence
Syntatic Item
Items to test knowledge of word or sentence order
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Grammar Tests – Discrete (cont’d)
Items Completion
Candidates to fill in the blanks in sentences. Options can be provided. Ideal for vocabulary testing
Transformation Items
Candidates are asked to provide an alternative sentence to the original one without changing its meaning
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Grammar Tests – Discrete (Cont’d)
Word Changing Items
Aim at testing candidates understanding of changing the form of the word in a sentence
Sentence Combining Task or Sentence Reordering
Test the ability to link / combine two or more sentences
together or the ability to put words in order to form
meaningful sentence
Sentence Expansion / Sentence Completion
The reverse of sentence combination this task test the ability in providing more information based on limited input. Both the above can be used in preparing for composition writing as well.
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Grammar Tests - Discrete (Cont’d)
Cloze Passage
Fill in the blanks / Fill-ins
True / False or Yes / No Items
Parallel or Sentence Writing
Similar / Opposite meanings
Specific Linguistics elements
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Grammar Tests - Communication/ Performance Based
Formal Writing -reports, composition, letters, etc
Informal writing- notes, diaries, letters, etc
Summary / Modified Cloze
Paraphrase aural-oral
Translation tasks
Alternatives The 4 P’s – Prepare and Present Pretend and Perform
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FOCUS GROUP INDIVIDUAL
Syntactocentric Guided writing e.g.
letter completion, re-
writing, information
transfer Syntax, Semantics Exs. Reviews
Blank filling (Fill-ins) Sentence reordering/
completion MCQ Cloze Exs. Matching Substitution Table
Communicative Open-ended sentence
completion Parallel Writing Drama/ Debate/ Role-
play / Interviews Performance / Authentic
tasks
Expansion exercises Scrambled exercises Transformation exercises Reflections Performance / Authentic
tasks
Assessing Grammar - Examples
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Buzz Activity :
Discuss, Design and Deliver (Present) a test (discrete and performance based) you would use to assess the following grammatical items ( Select one) :
- Adjectives - Simple Past Tense - Subject - Verb Agreement
Consider the various types of tests and the relevant purposes pointed out, discussed with a friend the test and the rationale / purpose to be used for the grammatical items selected by you.
Please share it with us.
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TECHNIQUES - Grammar Test
HOW TO TEST ? The 4 language skills are taught together plus phonology,
grammar and vocabulary.
The 2 main features of grammar testing techniques are
I discrete-item analysis
II performance / integrative type
Do we need both types or can we do with just one ?
Why do you say so? Assessing grammar is now more focused on the principle
of integration of skills. Do you agree?
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Testing Grammar in Isolation/ Overt manner
(Discrete)
Word Classes / Parts of Speech
Tenses
Rules
Procedures, Sequences, Process
Linguistics Elements – SVO, Structures, etc.
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Testing Grammar in Context / Covert manner
(Performance / Communicative)
Syntax and semantics Analysis in context Skills - R, W, L and S Integrations Integrative - Language games / activities Communication tasks
eg. Oral Description - eg describing pictures, objects,
locations and Group discussion, role-play, drama Problem sloving etc.
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Ensuring Grammar Assessment /Test is “Precise”
Reliability Validity Authenticity Interactiveness Impact Practicality
Assessment, Evaluation, Examination and Testing – Do they mean the same thing ?
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And, bear in mind …
Don’t test what is not taught
Don’t test for testing sake (general)
Don’t introduce new techniques in test
Don’t over load on accuracy
Remember to test the test
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FIN
THANK - YOU
OGOS 2012
CPW