Journal 4
ELC 689
February, 8th 2010
What I have learned for the first four weeks of the course has prompted me to initiate new policies in testing administration together with training workshops for teachers in my division. The aims are to work toward better quality test practice: using tests for reflection on students’ progress rather than failing or passing students and improving the present test giving practice in weak areas such as validity, reliability, wash back.
My reflection on the three testing models is that we should move from the model with mid-term plus final assessment to the model where the assessment process is parallel to the teaching/learning process through the course. To achieve this aim new …show more content…
For example, teachers can plan more effective lessons and more regular feedback will be provided to the learners to direct their learning. Effective feedback procedure will make tests a critical link in teaching (Angelo & Cross, 1993). Classroom assessment as a feature of the instructional program will help students to know areas that they need to concentrate on and make their decisions accordingly.
The new assessment practice is also intended to take the students away from cramming for international tests like IELTS, TOEFL and direct them toward more real and more enjoyable learning experience. The learners will become better motivated and their participation and self-reflection are both expected to improve as in the case of portfolio (Paulson, Paulson, and Mayer, 1991). The new practice will also attach a more active role to the students, for example as in self-assessment. They may need to go through training and stay more pro-active in all other types of assessment.
Improved tests, which observe validity, reliability, authenticity, washback, etc. will gauge the students more precisely, giving a more accurate reflection of their strengths and weaknesses as well as create opportunities for them to perform to the best. Hopefully the students will not be shocked with tests demanding background knowledge that they have not acquired as consideration of this aspect is one important indication of good tests (Bailey, 1998).