16.2458, Books: Applied Linguistics: Alderson

[LINGUIST List]

LINGUIST List: Vol-16-2458. Tue Aug 23 2005. ISSN: 1068 - 4875.

Subject: 16.2458, Books: Applied Linguistics: Alderson

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1)
Date: 18-Aug-2005
From: Jennifer Lovel < jlovel at continuumbooks.com >
Subject: Diagnosing Foreign Language Proficiency: Alderson 

	
-------------------------Message 1 ---------------------------------- 
Date: Tue, 23 Aug 2005 09:17:45
From: Jennifer Lovel < jlovel at continuumbooks.com >
Subject: Diagnosing Foreign Language Proficiency: Alderson 
 



Title: Diagnosing Foreign Language Proficiency 
Subtitle: The Interface between Language and Assessment 
Publication Year: 2005 
Publisher: Continuum International Publishing Group Ltd
	   http://www.continuumbooks.com
	
Author: J Charles Alderson, Lancaster University

Hardback: ISBN: 0826485030 Pages: 296 Price: U.S. $ 145


Abstract:

This book addresses the need for tests that can diagnose the strengths and
weaknesses in learners' developing foreign language proficiency. It
presents the rationale for, and research surrounding, the development of
DIALANG, a suite of internet-delivered diagnostic foreign language tests
funded by the European Commission. The word 'diagnosis' is common in
discussions in language education and applied linguistics, but very few
truly diagnostic tests exist.  However, the diagnosis of foreign language
proficiency is central to helping learners make progress. This volume
explores the nature of diagnostic testing, emphasizing the need for a
better understanding of the nature of appropriate diagnosis.

The book starts with a debate about how diagnostic testing might most
appropriately be developed. Charles Alderson argues that the field has
neglected to construct diagnostic tests, partly because other forms of
testing have dominated the field. Alderson examines how proficiency has
been diagnosed in the key areas of language: reading, listening, writing,
grammar and vocabulary. The value of self-assessment is discussed and
exemplified as a key component in developing learners', and teachers',
awareness of the complexity of language learning. The book ends with a
consideration of and recommendations for future developments in the
diagnosis of foreign language proficiency.

J. Charles Alderson is Professor of Linguistics and English Language
Education, Lancaster University. He is a former editor of the journal of
Language Testing 



Linguistic Field(s): Applied Linguistics


Written In: English  (ENG)
	
See this book announcement on our website: 
http://linguistlist.org/get-book.html?BookID=16075


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	Blackwell Publishing          
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OTHER SUPPORTING PUBLISHERS	

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	Kingston Press Ltd
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	MIT Working Papers in Linguistics
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	SIL International
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	Utrecht Institute of Linguistics / LOT Netherlands Graduate School of Linguistic
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