16 CHAPTER 1 Testing, Assessing, and Teaching

teaching. Assessment is an integral part of the teaching-learning cycle. In an inter­

active, communicative curriculum, assessment is almost constant. Tests, which are a
subset of assessment, can provide authenticity, motivation, and feedback to the
learner. Tests are essential components of a successful curriculum and one of sev­
eral partners in the learning process. Keep in mind these basic principles:

1. Periodic !ssessments, both formal and informal, can increase motivation by

serving as milestones of student progress.
2. Appropriate assessments aid in the reinforcement and retention of informa­
tion.
3. Assessments can confirm areas of strength and pinpoint areas needing further
work.
4. Assessments can provide a sense of periodic closure to modules within a cur­
riculum.
5. Assessments can promote student autonomy by encouraging students' self­
evaluation of their progress.
6. Assessments can spur learners to set goals for themselves.
7. Assessments can aid in evaluating teaching effectiveness.

Answers to the vocabulary quiz on pages 1 and 2: 1 c, 2a, 3d, 4b, Sa, 6c.

EXERCISES
[Note: (I) Individual work; (6) Group or pair work; (C) Whole-class discussion.]

1. (G) In a small group, look at Figure 1.1 on page 5 that shows tests as a subset
of assessment and the latter as a subset of teaching. Do you agree with this
diagrammatic depiction of the three terms? Consider the following classroom
teaching techniques: choral drill, pair pronunciation practice, reading aloud,
information gap task, singing songs in "English, writing a description of the
weekend '5 activities. What proportion of each has an assessment facet to it?
Share your conclusions with the rest of the class.
2. (G) The chart below shows a hypotheticaillne of distinction between forma~
dve and summative assessment, and between informal and formal assessment.
As a group, place the following techniques/procedures into one of the four
cells and justify your decision. Share your results with other groups and dis­
cuss any differences of opinion.

Placement tests

Diagnostic tests

Periodic achievement tests

Short pop quizzes