Diagnosing Foreign Language Proficiency: The Interface Between Learning and Assessment

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.

In an effort to start a debate about how diagnostic testing of foreign language proficiency might most appropriately be developed, Alderson (linguistics and English language education, Lancaster U., UK) describes attempts to develop computer-based diagnostic tests through a European Union-funded project known as DIALANG. The author describes and exemplifies the diagnostic system developed in the project and explores the empirical results to date; examines how proficiency has been diagnosed in reading, listening, writing, grammar, and vocabulary; discusses the value of self-assessment; and offers recommendations for future developments in the field. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

J. Charles Alderson is Professor of Linguistics and English Language Education, Lancaster University. He was previously the editor of Language Testing