J. Charles Alderson – författare

The Diagnosis of Reading in a Second or Foreign Language explores the implications of language assessment research on classroom-based assessment practices by providing an in-depth look at the little-examined field of diagnosis in second and foreign language reading. This volume examines the development of second and foreign language reading and how subsequent research findings, couched in this knowledge, can help facilitate a more-informed teaching approach in second and foreign language classrooms. By contextualizing the latest in classroom settings and presenting implications for future research in this developing area of linguistics, this book is an ideal resource for those studying and working in applied linguistics, second language acquisition, and language assessment and education.About the NPLA Series:Headed by two of its leading scholars, the series captures the burgeoning field of language assessment by offering comprehensive and state-of-the-art coverage of its contemporary questions, pressing issues, and technical advances. It is the only active series of its kind on the market, and will include volumes on basic and advanced topics in language assessment, public policy and language assessment, and the interfaces of language assessment with other disciplines in applied linguistics. Each text presents key theoretical approaches and research findings, along with concrete practical implications and suggestions for readers conducting their own research or developmental studies.

The Diagnosis of Reading in a Second or Foreign Language explores the implications of language assessment research on classroom-based assessment practices by providing an in-depth look at the little-examined field of diagnosis in second and foreign language reading. This volume examines the development of second and foreign language reading and how subsequent research findings, couched in this knowledge, can help facilitate a more-informed teaching approach in second and foreign language classrooms. By contextualizing the latest in classroom settings and presenting implications for future research in this developing area of linguistics, this book is an ideal resource for those studying and working in applied linguistics, second language acquisition, and language assessment and education.About the NPLA Series:Headed by two of its leading scholars, the series captures the burgeoning field of language assessment by offering comprehensive and state-of-the-art coverage of its contemporary questions, pressing issues, and technical advances. It is the only active series of its kind on the market, and will include volumes on basic and advanced topics in language assessment, public policy and language assessment, and the interfaces of language assessment with other disciplines in applied linguistics. Each text presents key theoretical approaches and research findings, along with concrete practical implications and suggestions for readers conducting their own research or developmental studies.

Responsibility for planning language teaching programmes now carries with it a strong element of accountability. Evaluation of the whole process of course design, development and implementation is therefore a necessary area of activity for course designers, language planners and researchers. Evaluating Second Language Education is divided into three parts: - Part One presents a review of the literature showing how the field got to where it is - Part Two contains a series of eight original case-studies which illustrate the strengths and limitations of qualitative and quantitative approaches - Part Three contains practical advice on how to design and execute evaluations in the field. It is a valuable resource both for those already engaged in evaluation and for those in training.

Language Test Construction and Evaluation describes the process of language test construction clearly and comprehensively. Each chapter deals with one stage of the test construction process; from drafting initial test specifications, to reporting test scores, test validation and washback. In addition, current practice in the examining of English as a Foreign Language by different examining boards is reviewed in order to compare testing principles with present test practice. The focus is on the practical: it does not assume a statistical background but explains and demystifies the procedures and concepts that are relevant to the construction and evaluation of language tests. Language Test Construction and Evaluation will provide an invaluable reference for anyone who wishes to understand how language tests are, and should be, constructed.

Written by a leading expert in both language testing and the nature of reading in a second or foreign language, this book provides a comprehensive treatment of the assessment of reading in a foreign or second language. The book reviews theory, research, and practice in the assessment of reading. It provides the novice with a comprehensive overview of the basic principles of reading assessment, and the researcher with an in-depth discussion of the major issues in the field.

Listening is a key skill and teachers need to assess their students' listening ability. This book shows language teachers and testing practitioners how to assess listening comprehension. The intention is not to discuss theory and research for their own sake, but only sufficiently for practitioners to know how to construct language tests, the conditions that can have an impact on listening tests and how to interpret the test results.