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.

The Diagnosis of Reading in a Second or Foreign Language explores the notion of diagnostic testing and establishes a framework for its practical applications in understanding second and foreign language reading. The book uses case studies from a wide variety of subject areas to contextualize a theory of diagnosis and to show how second and foreign language reading has been assessed in the past, culminating in a discussion of how diagnosis might be used to better understand and assess second and foreign language reading abilities. This is the only book to provide a detailed look into the little-examined field of diagnostic language testing, ideal for students, researchers, and professionals in applied linguistics, second language acquisition, and language testing 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 notion of diagnostic testing and establishes a framework for its practical applications in understanding second and foreign language reading. The book uses case studies from a wide variety of subject areas to contextualize a theory of diagnosis and to show how second and foreign language reading has been assessed in the past, culminating in a discussion of how diagnosis might be used to better understand and assess second and foreign language reading abilities. This is the only book to provide a detailed look into the little-examined field of diagnostic language testing, ideal for students, researchers, and professionals in applied linguistics, second language acquisition, and language testing 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.

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 of the book 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.

Responsibility for planning language teaching programs 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. This book brings together accounts of recent work in this increasingly important field and will be a valuable resource both for those already engaged in evaluation and for those in training. Part One presents a review of the literature, covering past developments in the wider field of educational evaluation, as well as specifically in second language education. Part Two contains a series of eight original case-studies, written by scholars involved in evaluations in widely divergent settings. The focus in each case is on how the evaluator addresses the difficulties central to each study, and the findings are also included. The final Part Three provides practical guidance for evaluators, offering suggestions about how to set up and carry out evaluations in any given setting.

Written by a leading authority in both language testing, and in the nature of reading in a second or foreign language, this book is the most comprehensive and up to date treatment of the assessment of reading in a foreign or second language. It is unique in that it reviews theory, research and practice in the assessment of reading. It is invaluable for anyone wishing to assess the reading ability of language learners. It provides the novice with a comprehensive overview of the basic tenets of reading assessment, and the expert with an in-depth discussion of the major issues in the field.