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This book addresses the need for tests that can diagnose the strengths and weaknesses in learners'' developing foreign language proficiency. It presents the rationale for, and research surrounding, the development of DIALANG, a suite of internet-delivered diagnostic foreign language tests funded by the European Commission. The word ''diagnosis'' is common in discussions in language education and applied linguistics, but very few truly diagnostic tests exist. However, the diagnosis of foreign language proficiency is central to helping learners make progress. This volume explores the nature of diagnostic testing, emphasizing the need for a better understanding of the nature of appropriate diagnosis. The book starts with a debate about how diagnostic testing might most appropriately be developed. Charles Alderson argues that the field has neglected to construct diagnostic tests, partly because other forms of testing have dominated the field. Alderson examines how proficiency has been diagnosed in the key areas of language: reading, listening, writing, grammar and vocabulary. The value of self-assessment is discussed and exemplified as a key component in developing learners'', and teachers'', awareness of the complexity of language learning. The book ends with a consideration of and recommendations for future developments in the diagnosis of foreign language proficiency.>
List of contents
Introduction.
1. Diagnosing foreign language proficiency: a testing/ teaching interface
2. Diagnosis in other fields
3. The Dialang System
4. Setting standards
5. The value of a Vocabulary Size Placement Test
6. The role of self-assessment
7. Diagnosing Reading
8. Diagnosing Listening
9. Diagnosing Writing
10. Diagnosing Grammar
11. Diagnosing Vocabulary
12. The value of feedback and advice
13. The future: Experimental Items
14. The use of self assessment in benchmarking
15. Future research and development
About the author
J. Charles Alderson is Professor of Linguistics and English Language Education, Lancaster University. He was previously the editor of
Language Testing
