Includes bibliographical references (p. 311-318) and index.

Preface

Chapter 1 Types and Uses of Language Tests: Norm-referenced and Criterion-referenced Decisions

Chapter 2 Adopting, Developing, and Adapting Language Tests

Chapter 3 Developing and Improving Test Items

Chapter 4 Describing Test Results

Chapter 5 Interpreting Test Scores

Chapter 6 Correlation

Chapter 7 Test Reliability

Chapter 8 Test Validity and Standards Setting

Chapter 9 Testing and Curriculum

Answer Key for Application Exercises

References

Index

"In this book, James Dean Brown teaches you how to do all types of language testing. You'll learn how to make responsible and professional proficiency placement, diagnostic, and achievement decisions about your students by learning how to design tests for: Program level decisions - to compare the performances of students to each other (i.e., norm-referenced tests). Classroom level decisions - to assess how much of the material or set of skills taught in a course has been learned by the students (i.e., criterion-referenced tests). You'll find that the types of tests needed for each of these categories are quite different, yet Brown explains both categories in terms that are neither too complex nor too simplistic. Where statistics are involved, Brown explains them in a straightforward "recipe book" style so you can immediately understand and apply what you learn in your own teaching or administrative situations. Topics covered in this book include: Types & uses of language tests; Adopting & creating language tests; Developing & improving test items; Describing test results; Interpreting test scores; Correlation; Test reliability; Test validity & standards testing; Testing & curriculum. An answer key is included at the back of the book." (Book Cover)