Visual and pictorial materials are extensively used in teaching listening comprehension textbooks. Although the use of still image is currently implemented in some distinguished testing systems, video test is not a po...Visual and pictorial materials are extensively used in teaching listening comprehension textbooks. Although the use of still image is currently implemented in some distinguished testing systems, video test is not a popular modality due to the fact that this kind of test may result in test-takers＇ confusion during the test. In the present study, a sample of 80 Iranian EFL （English as a Foreign Language） students was selected to compare their performance on three different modalities of listening test： audio-only test, pictorial （listening with still image test）, and visual （video） listening test. The analysis of one-way repeated measure ANOVA （Analysis of Variance） was used to compare the students＇ scores. The results of Bonferroni Post Hoc Test confirm that there were significant differences in scores among audio-only, pictorial, and visual tests. The results of this study highlight the greater performance of students in pictorial listening test which is statistically significant.展开更多
This study investigates the cognitive and metacognitive processes used by EFL test-takers in completing a compound dictation test through analyses of their verbal protocols obtained immediately after the test and thro...This study investigates the cognitive and metacognitive processes used by EFL test-takers in completing a compound dictation test through analyses of their verbal protocols obtained immediately after the test and through semi-structured retrospective interviews. The study explores relationships between the test-takers＇ actual performance and the instructions for the compound dictation test, the language abilities measured, any major construct-irrelevant factors affecting the test-taking processes, and the performance patterns of performance across test-takers of different overall proficiency levels. Findings are as follows. （1） Test-takers＇ actual performance does not apparently relate to the instructions given in the compound dictation test, which may raise doubts over the effectiveness of the instructions, thereby posing a potential threat to test validity. （2） Test-takers may pay more attention to the pronunciation of the words to be used to fill the blanks than to the actual meaning of the words, their difficulties in spelling and sentential expression possibly interfering with test performance even though they appear to use a variety of cognitive and metacognitive strategies throughout the test. （3） A number of construct-irrelevant factors posing a potential threat to test validity were found in the test-taking processes. Some of these factors are related to the test-takers, for example, memory capacity, attention failure and psychological factors, while others relate to the test, including speech rate and time constraints. （4） Test-takers in the study at all three proficiency levels appeared not to follow the instructions given in the compound dictation test. However, higher proficiency test-takers appeared to make more frequent use of cognitive and metacognitive strategies, and they appeared to be less influenced by construct-irrelevant factors.展开更多
As we all know, listening has always been a weak point in students' English learning. Doing English listening tests often encounter some difficulties. At the same time, many students have a serious fear of listeni...As we all know, listening has always been a weak point in students' English learning. Doing English listening tests often encounter some difficulties. At the same time, many students have a serious fear of listening test, and listening itself has a transient effect, so students should be able to calmly cope with the listening test to play the best level. In addition, students need to understand the types of the college entrance examination listening test , listen to more listening practice and lay a solid foundation. Students should also master some listening skills, so as to obtain high scores.展开更多
长期以来,语言测试工作者研究的核心是如何提高测试的信度与效度,以客观、精确地测量考生的语言能力。语言测试尤其是大规模高风险语言测试带来的社会影响,很难由改良测试本身来解决。批判语言测试(Critical Language Testing)的提出把...长期以来,语言测试工作者研究的核心是如何提高测试的信度与效度,以客观、精确地测量考生的语言能力。语言测试尤其是大规模高风险语言测试带来的社会影响,很难由改良测试本身来解决。批判语言测试(Critical Language Testing)的提出把语言测试置于更广阔的社会政治语境中,对测试后效(consequences)的反思不再局限于反拨效应(washback),而是重新审视测试中渗透的权力与控制,测试所具有的社会价值、政治功能等。展开更多
文摘Visual and pictorial materials are extensively used in teaching listening comprehension textbooks. Although the use of still image is currently implemented in some distinguished testing systems, video test is not a popular modality due to the fact that this kind of test may result in test-takers＇ confusion during the test. In the present study, a sample of 80 Iranian EFL （English as a Foreign Language） students was selected to compare their performance on three different modalities of listening test： audio-only test, pictorial （listening with still image test）, and visual （video） listening test. The analysis of one-way repeated measure ANOVA （Analysis of Variance） was used to compare the students＇ scores. The results of Bonferroni Post Hoc Test confirm that there were significant differences in scores among audio-only, pictorial, and visual tests. The results of this study highlight the greater performance of students in pictorial listening test which is statistically significant.
基金part of the achievements funded by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities in China (No. 0205005201030)the National Scholarship Council of China (No. 2010850066)granted to the first author to support a one-year visiting professorship
文摘This study investigates the cognitive and metacognitive processes used by EFL test-takers in completing a compound dictation test through analyses of their verbal protocols obtained immediately after the test and through semi-structured retrospective interviews. The study explores relationships between the test-takers＇ actual performance and the instructions for the compound dictation test, the language abilities measured, any major construct-irrelevant factors affecting the test-taking processes, and the performance patterns of performance across test-takers of different overall proficiency levels. Findings are as follows. （1） Test-takers＇ actual performance does not apparently relate to the instructions given in the compound dictation test, which may raise doubts over the effectiveness of the instructions, thereby posing a potential threat to test validity. （2） Test-takers may pay more attention to the pronunciation of the words to be used to fill the blanks than to the actual meaning of the words, their difficulties in spelling and sentential expression possibly interfering with test performance even though they appear to use a variety of cognitive and metacognitive strategies throughout the test. （3） A number of construct-irrelevant factors posing a potential threat to test validity were found in the test-taking processes. Some of these factors are related to the test-takers, for example, memory capacity, attention failure and psychological factors, while others relate to the test, including speech rate and time constraints. （4） Test-takers in the study at all three proficiency levels appeared not to follow the instructions given in the compound dictation test. However, higher proficiency test-takers appeared to make more frequent use of cognitive and metacognitive strategies, and they appeared to be less influenced by construct-irrelevant factors.
文摘As we all know, listening has always been a weak point in students' English learning. Doing English listening tests often encounter some difficulties. At the same time, many students have a serious fear of listening test, and listening itself has a transient effect, so students should be able to calmly cope with the listening test to play the best level. In addition, students need to understand the types of the college entrance examination listening test , listen to more listening practice and lay a solid foundation. Students should also master some listening skills, so as to obtain high scores.
文摘长期以来,语言测试工作者研究的核心是如何提高测试的信度与效度,以客观、精确地测量考生的语言能力。语言测试尤其是大规模高风险语言测试带来的社会影响,很难由改良测试本身来解决。批判语言测试(Critical Language Testing)的提出把语言测试置于更广阔的社会政治语境中,对测试后效(consequences)的反思不再局限于反拨效应(washback),而是重新审视测试中渗透的权力与控制,测试所具有的社会价值、政治功能等。
