LINGUIST List 12.782

Wed Mar 21 2001

Books: Applied Linguistics

Editor for this issue: Naomi Ogasawara <naomilinguistlist.org>

Directory

1. Vinegrad, Anna, Applied Linguistics: The Power of Tests by Elana Shohamy
2. Vinegrad, Anna, Applied Ling: An Introduction to Foreign Language Learning & Teaching

The Power of Tests
A Critical Perspective on the Uses of Language Tests

Elana Shohamy


The Power of Tests applies a critical perspective of language tests by
examining their uses and consequences in education and society and by
viewing tests not as isolated events but rather as embedded in social,
educational and political contexts.

The book is divided into four parts: the first part establishes the
power of tests through echoing the voices of test takers, describing
the features of the power of tests, and the temptations that tests
offer to bureaucrats who use them for power and control. The second
part reports on studies that provide empirical evidence about
intentions and effects of a number of large scale language tests. The
third part interprets the results by examining their consequences on
education and society, arriving at a model of tests' use. The final
section of the book offers strategies for controlling and minimising
the misuses of tests by introducing the notion of Critical Language
Testing which calls for the examination of the consequences and
misuses of tests, monitoring of power and pointing to their unethical
uses. It also provides a comprehensive discussion of the
responsibilities of language testers, including a new Code of Ethics,
as well as strategies for guarding and protecting the rights of test
takers.


Longman
Language in Social Life Series
2001/208pp
0-582-42335-X/Pb/List:: �17.99

UK Orders
 +44 (0)1279 623322
 +44 (0)1279 414130
 enq.orderspearsoned-ema.com

For Europe and Rest of World please see ordering details on our website at:
 http://www.pearsoneduc.com/linguistics 

Subfield: Applied Linguists

An Introduction to Foreign Language Learning and Teaching

Keith Johnson

An Introduction to Foreign Language Learning and Teaching presents an
engaging, student-friendly guide to the fields of foreign language
learning and teaching.

Aimed at students beginning their study of these fields, the book
provides essential background information and deals with language
learning and teaching in a clear and comprehensible way. Attention is
also given to practical matters related to classroom teaching.

The book covers both theoretical and practical aspects of the field
and provides suggestions throughout for discussion and workshop
activities. Although most of the examples used deal with English as a
foreign language, the book offers a suitable introduction for teachers
of any foreign language.

Longman
learning about language series
2001/352pp
0-582- 29086 -4 pb/List: �17.99



UK Orders
 +44 (0)1279 623322
 +44 (0)1279 414130
 enq.orderspearsoned-ema.com

For Europe and Rest of World please see ordering details on our website at:
 http://www.pearsoneduc.com/linguistics