UID:
almahu_9948665414802882
Format:
1 online resource (477 p.)
Edition:
1st, New ed.
ISBN:
9781453910597
Series Statement:
Theoretical Studies in Second Language Acquisition 8
Content:
Scales describing language proficiency in a series of levels can provide orientation for educational programmes, criteria for assessment, and reporting to stakeholders. However, in most cases such instruments are produced just by expert opinion. A scale of language proficiency actually implies a descriptive scheme related to theory but usable by practitioners. It also implies a methodology for scaling content to different levels. This book describes the use of both qualitative and quantitative techniques to develop scales for the «Common Reference Levels» in the Common European Framework of Reference for modern languages. Short stand-alone descriptors were (i) developed and classified, (ii) refined and elaborated in workshops, and then (iii) scaled by analyzing the judgments of one hundred teachers on the English language proficiency of the learners in their classes.
Content:
«This book is a highly significant addition to the literature on scales of language proficiency. It surveys a wide range of existing scales, discusses their advantages and drawbacks, and explores in detail how scales might best be developed for assessing and reporting language proficiency. Highly recommended reading for all language testing researchers.» (Charles Alderson, Professor of Linguistics and English Language Education, Lancaster University, United Kingdom) «The issue of describing levels of language proficiency is an important one, not only to language testing, but to many other areas of applied linguistics research. There have been numerous approaches to developing language proficiency scales over the past forty years, many of them with little basis in either theory or empirical research. Brian North’s research thus represents an approach that is truly innovative, in that it is theoretically grounded and utilizes sound research methodology. Combining a qualitative, naturalistic methodology for scale description with sophisticated statistical analyses--the multifaceted Rasch model--North’s research offers original insights into the nature of rating scales and their development. This research also provides a carefully researched methodology for developing scales empirically, for use in language assessment and as instruments in applied linguistics research.» (Lyle F. Bachman, Professor, Department of Applied Linguistics and TESOL, University of California, Los Angeles) «The scope, the quality, and the originality of Brian North’s study are impressive and its practical and theoretical impact had been recognized in Europe well before the final version was drafted. I am glad that this important contribution to the advancement of language testing now comes to a wider public.» (John H. A. L. de Jong, Manager, Language Testing, Swets & Zeitlinger Test Publishers)
Additional Edition:
ISBN 9780820448527
Language:
English
DOI:
10.3726/978-1-4539-1059-7
URL:
https://www.peterlang.com/view/product/68862?format=EPDF
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