Introducing Second Language Assessment

In Chapter 2, the author introduces some basic language assessment principles and various approaches to language assessment. It begins with a discussion of stakes, objectiveness, and frame of reference. The main focus is on the difference between criterion-referenced tests, where people use tests to compare test takers’ abilities to certain standards, and norm-referenced assessments, where they use tests to compare test takers’ abilities to those of others. In this chapter, the author also introduces some approaches to language assessment, namely dynamic, learning-oriented, self-, formative, summative, and portfolio assessment. The author describes each of these approaches and discusses how they inform the approach to language assessment that guides the subsequent chapters of the book. The author also briefly describes the purpose and uses of diagnostic, placement, proficiency, and standardized tests. The chapter includes some examples that provide readers with opportunities to experience different approaches to assessment.