| Testing, Evaluation and Assessment in EFL and | | | | about that before the exam". If the language class |
| Foreign Language Classes | | | | must turn off cellular phones, MP3, MP4, iPod or other |
| We'll continue to look at some critical points which | | | | electronic devices, refrain from going into purses, bags, |
| need to be considered along with the English as a | | | | or abide by other specific regulations, be sure they |
| foreign or second language testing, evaluation and | | | | know in advance of the test-taking period and again |
| assessment processes. Generally, similar conditions | | | | immediately before the exam begins. This has saved |
| and aspects apply to the teaching and learning of | | | | my bacon more than once over the years, and it will |
| other foreign languages as well. So, we'll discuss some | | | | yours too, when done regularly. |
| additional points here in the second part of this | | | | 6. ENFORCE Your Parameters and Test-taking |
| two-part article post. | | | | Regulations or Parameters |
| 4. Allow a Sufficient Amount of Time | | | | You'd think that your English as a foreign language |
| As an English as a foreign language or other foreign | | | | learners would then blithely adhere to your correct |
| language teacher, have you ever taken the time to sit | | | | parameters when taking tests, evaluations or |
| down and actually DO one of your own exams? If not, | | | | assessments of their foreign language knowledge and |
| how do you determine the length of time required to | | | | communicative skills. Oh, but if that only were true. |
| complete an exam? Of course, your EFL learners | | | | Unfortunately, you know and I know that there will |
| likely will take much longer than you will to complete an | | | | always be the "Jokers", the "clowns", the inept and the |
| exam, but you do need at least some benchmark to | | | | ever-present unmotivated, disinterested or unprepared |
| establish time parameters. Say double or triple your | | | | "learners" who will seemingly do their absolute utmost |
| time of completion for your foreign language learners | | | | to deride even your best efforts. Fore-warned is |
| and you'll be somewhere in the ball park. | | | | almost always fore-armed. |
| 5. Explain Exam and Test-taking Parameters Clearly | | | | Your Feedback is Encouraged |
| "Oh, my English language learners know what to do", | | | | As always, your feedback, questions, comments, |
| you say? Tell them the rules anyway. Watch their | | | | insights and suggestions are encouraged. What works |
| faces. When you see the "lights go on" in some of | | | | - or doesn't, for you and your English as a foreign |
| their faces you'll realize the need for this. This also aids | | | | language learners, along with any interesting |
| you in "putting your foot down" when something goes | | | | experiences you might have can be posted. |
| awry. You can then say with authority, "I told you | | | | |