外国语大学测试学.doc

Xi’an International Studies University Applied Linguistics Academic Group, the Graduate School Course: Language Testing Textbooks: 1. Language Test Construction and Evaluation 2. A Guide to Language Testing: Development, Evaluation and Research Objectives: This curricular module introduces students to the basic theories pertinent to language testing and helps them write sound test items, both discrete-point and integrative. Its particular focus is on test writing strategies as well as test writing practice. Major instructional methods will include lectures, tutorials and group discussions. The goal of the course is to assist students to increase their awareness, understanding and application of some useful insights and techniques underlying language testing. At the end of the course, students are expected to be able to: obtain a general understanding of major testing theories; become familiar with sets of testing methods and techniques; design a sound language test by themselves; and evaluate various language tests in terms of the facility value, discrimination index, reliability and validity. Topic Areas: Introduction to Language Testing Approaches to Language Testing Test Specifications Techniques for Objective Testing Techniques for Testing Grammar and Usage Techniques for Testing Vocabulary Techniques for Testing Listening Comprehension Techniques for Testing Oral Production Techniques for Testing Reading Comprehension Techniques for Testing Writing Skills Criteria and Quality of Language Tests Interpreting Test Scores Assessment: The assessment consists of three components (a) quizzes (20%), (b) an exam (30%) and (c) a paper (50%). Attendance will be taken into serious consideration. Any frequent absentee will suffer on his or her total score and risk the danger of failing the course. References: The following list of reference books should be available either in the university library or in the local bookstores. Bachman, L.F. 1997. Fu