LINGUIST List 17.2712

Fri Sep 22 2006

Books: Applied Linguistics: Alderson

Editor for this issue: Maria Moreno-Rollins <marialinguistlist.org>

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Directory         1.    Simone Gilson, Diagnosing Foreign Language Proficiency: Alderson

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Message 1: Diagnosing Foreign Language Proficiency: Alderson
Date: 13-Sep-2006
From: Simone Gilson <sgilsoncontinuumbooks.com>
Subject: Diagnosing Foreign Language Proficiency: Alderson


Title: Diagnosing Foreign Language Proficiency Subtitle: The Interface between Learning and Assessment Published: 2006 Publisher: Continuum International Publishing Group Ltd
                http://www.continuumbooks.com

Book URL: http://http://www.continuumbooks.com/Books/detail.aspx?ReturnURL=/Search/default.aspx&CountryID=1&Im

Author: J. Charles Alderson, Lancaster University Paperback: ISBN: 0826493882 Pages: 296 Price: U.K. £ 25.00
Abstract:

This book addresses the need for tests that can diagnose the strengths andweaknesses in learners' developing foreign language proficiency. Itpresents the rationale for, and research surrounding, the development ofDIALANG, a suite of internet-delivered diagnostic foreign language testsfunded by the European Commission. The word 'diagnosis' is common indiscussions in language education and applied linguistics, but very fewtruly diagnostic tests exist. However, the diagnosis of foreign languageproficiency is central to helping learners make progress.

This volume explores the nature of diagnostic testing, emphasizing the needfor a better understanding of the nature of appropriate diagnosis. The bookstarts with a debate about how diagnostic testing might most appropriatelybe developed. Charles Alderson argues that the field has neglected toconstruct diagnostic tests, partly because other forms of testing havedominated the field. Alderson examines how proficiency has been diagnosedin the key areas of language: reading, listening, writing, grammar andvocabulary. The value of self-assessment is discussed and exemplified as akey component in developing learners', and teachers', awareness of thecomplexity of language learning. The book ends with a consideration of andrecommendations for future developments in the diagnosis of foreignlanguage proficiency.

Linguistic Field(s): Applied Linguistics
Written In: English (eng )

See this book announcement on our website: http://linguistlist.org/get-book.html?BookID=21143

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