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ASSESSING/ TESTING GRAMMAR

TSL 3108IPG KBA

OGOS 2012

TEACHING OF GRAMMAR

IN THE PRIMARY CLASSROOM

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Let’s recap …

Roles of Assessment in Language TL:

Instructional decisions Administrative decisions Guidance decisions Research decisions

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What should we test?

We can test language (to find out what students have learned):

Skills Spelling Phonetics, Syntax, Semantics Grammar

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What is Grammar ?

The formal rules and structure of a language

The blue-print of a language

Gives ‘life’ to a language (Fuchs, 2009)

Together with vocabulary, serve as the language 2 main pillars

Difference between knowing the language/ comprehending and applying/ using it

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What are Grammar Tests (Assessment)?

Grammar tests are designed to measure learners language proficiency ranging from knowledge of rules ie. inflections to semantics, syntax and transformations The Objectives are :

1. To ensure the acquisition of right language rules

and structure during formal language sessions

2. To examine the relationship between learning

the language and understanding/ using it correctly

3. To identify factors which can impede grammar

learning and understanding/ applications.

4. To recognize, produce, and communicate using

the language effectively and efficiently .

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What assessment methods are available in testing grammar ?

Conventional-paper-and pencil style of standardized test - MCQ

Structured classroom observation

- Tasks and activities Alternative modes such as portfolios and

Self-assessment Why – Placement, Progress, Achievement

Summative, Formative

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Types of grammar tests :

Generally linguists agreed that there are 2

major types of grammar tests/ assessments: Syntactocentric Type - Discrete Items /Obj./

Competence /Recognition

Communicative Concern - Performance/Sub./

Integrative with other skills/

Direct /Production/ Authentic

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Assessing Grammar

Syntactocentric Communicative - Performance

Supply Type

Selection Type

Limited ProductionSituational / Contextual

Extended Production Tasks / Activities

(Intergrative)

• Short Answers• Completion/ Cloze

• Alternative response• Matching• Multiple choice

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Discrete-point tests

Examine one language point at a time, e.g. a multiple-choice format test in which students are tested on the use of prepositions

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Integrative Tests

The test “requires the students to combine many language elements in the completion of a task”.

Hughes, 2009.

It is a simultaneous measure of knowledge and ability of a variety of language features, modes, or skills via some performance

Redden, 2011.

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Direct Tests (Performance based)

A direct test is a test that claims to measure ability by eliciting student performance that approximates actual language behaviour.

An e.g. of a direct test to test writing ability is to have students write essays.

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Authentic Tests

An authentic test is one in which the activity that is performed closely resembles what is done outside the testing of the testing situation.

For e.g., if a test requires that you take down notes based on a lecture, this task can be considered authentic as it reflects what you may be required to do in real life.

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Performance based examinations These are tests that assess the students’ ability

to perform a specific task.

The performance test, therefore, is like a direct test. It is also often authentic and can be considered as being similar to a simulation.

For e.g. imagine the different communicative scenarios possible and determine ability based on a performance test according to that scenario.

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Types of Grammar Tests - Discrete Type

The MCQ - Objective

Easy to grade and able to cover a lot of grammatical points quickly

Error Correction

Identify the error from a list of options usually given in a sentence

Syntatic Item

Items to test knowledge of word or sentence order

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Grammar Tests – Discrete (cont’d)

Items Completion

Candidates to fill in the blanks in sentences. Options can be provided. Ideal for vocabulary testing

Transformation Items

Candidates are asked to provide an alternative sentence to the original one without changing its meaning

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Grammar Tests – Discrete (Cont’d)

Word Changing Items

Aim at testing candidates understanding of changing the form of the word in a sentence

Sentence Combining Task or Sentence Reordering

Test the ability to link / combine two or more sentences

together or the ability to put words in order to form

meaningful sentence

Sentence Expansion / Sentence Completion

The reverse of sentence combination this task test the ability in providing more information based on limited input. Both the above can be used in preparing for composition writing as well.

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Grammar Tests - Discrete (Cont’d)

Cloze Passage

Fill in the blanks / Fill-ins

True / False or Yes / No Items

Parallel or Sentence Writing

Similar / Opposite meanings

Specific Linguistics elements

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Grammar Tests - Communication/ Performance Based

Formal Writing -reports, composition, letters, etc

Informal writing- notes, diaries, letters, etc

Summary / Modified Cloze

Paraphrase aural-oral

Translation tasks

Alternatives The 4 P’s – Prepare and Present Pretend and Perform

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FOCUS GROUP INDIVIDUAL

Syntactocentric Guided writing e.g.

letter completion, re-

writing, information

transfer Syntax, Semantics Exs. Reviews

Blank filling (Fill-ins) Sentence reordering/

completion MCQ Cloze Exs. Matching Substitution Table

Communicative Open-ended sentence

completion Parallel Writing Drama/ Debate/ Role-

play / Interviews Performance / Authentic

tasks

Expansion exercises Scrambled exercises Transformation exercises Reflections Performance / Authentic

tasks

Assessing Grammar - Examples

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Buzz Activity :

Discuss, Design and Deliver (Present) a test (discrete and performance based) you would use to assess the following grammatical items ( Select one) :

- Adjectives - Simple Past Tense - Subject - Verb Agreement

Consider the various types of tests and the relevant purposes pointed out, discussed with a friend the test and the rationale / purpose to be used for the grammatical items selected by you.

Please share it with us.

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TECHNIQUES - Grammar Test

HOW TO TEST ? The 4 language skills are taught together plus phonology,

grammar and vocabulary.

The 2 main features of grammar testing techniques are

I discrete-item analysis

II performance / integrative type

Do we need both types or can we do with just one ?

Why do you say so? Assessing grammar is now more focused on the principle

of integration of skills. Do you agree?

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Testing Grammar in Isolation/ Overt manner

(Discrete)

Word Classes / Parts of Speech

Tenses

Rules

Procedures, Sequences, Process

Linguistics Elements – SVO, Structures, etc.

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Testing Grammar in Context / Covert manner

(Performance / Communicative)

Syntax and semantics Analysis in context Skills - R, W, L and S Integrations Integrative - Language games / activities Communication tasks

eg. Oral Description - eg describing pictures, objects,

locations and Group discussion, role-play, drama Problem sloving etc.

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Ensuring Grammar Assessment /Test is “Precise”

Reliability Validity Authenticity Interactiveness Impact Practicality

Assessment, Evaluation, Examination and Testing – Do they mean the same thing ?

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And, bear in mind …

Don’t test what is not taught

Don’t test for testing sake (general)

Don’t introduce new techniques in test

Don’t over load on accuracy

Remember to test the test

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FIN

THANK - YOU

OGOS 2012

CPW