TEACHING OF GRAMMAR IN THE PRIMARY CLASSROOM

ASSESSING/ TESTING GRAMMAR

TSL 3108
IPG KBA OGOS 2012
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Lets recap

Roles of Assessment in Language TL:

Instructional decisions Administrative decisions Guidance decisions Research decisions

What should we test?

We can test language (to find out what students have learned): Skills Spelling Phonetics, Syntax, Semantics Grammar

What is Grammar ?
The

formal rules and structure of a language blue-print of a language life to a language (Fuchs, 2009)

The

Gives

Together

with vocabulary, serve as the language 2 main pillars

between knowing the language/ comprehending and applying/ using it
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Difference

What are Grammar Tests (Assessment)?

Grammar

tests are designed to measure learners language proficiency ranging from knowledge of rules ie. inflections to semantics, syntax and transformations The Objectives are : 1. To ensure the acquisition of right language rules and structure during formal language sessions 2. To examine the relationship between learning the language and understanding/ using it correctly 3. To identify factors which can impede grammar learning and understanding/ applications. 4. To recognize, produce, and communicate using the language effectively and efficiently .
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What assessment methods are available in testing grammar ?

Conventional-paper-and pencil style of standardized test - MCQ Structured classroom observation - Tasks and activities Alternative modes such as portfolios and Self-assessment Why Placement, Progress, Achievement Summative, Formative

Types of grammar tests :

Generally linguists agreed that there are 2 major types of grammar tests/ assessments: Syntactocentric Type - Discrete Items /Obj./ Competence /Recognition

Communicative Concern - Performance/Sub./ Integrative with other skills/ Direct /Production/ Authentic
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Assessing Grammar

Syntactocentric

Communicative - Performance

Supply Type
Short Answers Completion/ Cloze

Limited Production Situational / Contextual

Selection Type
Alternative response Matching Multiple choice

Extended Production Tasks / Activities (Intergrative)

Discrete-point tests

Examine one language point at a time, e.g. a multiple-choice format test in which students are tested on the use of prepositions

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Integrative Tests

The test requires the students to combine many language elements in the completion of a task.
Hughes, 2009.

It is a simultaneous measure of knowledge and ability of a variety of language features, modes, or skills via some performance
Redden, 2011.
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Direct Tests (Performance based)

A direct test is a test that claims to measure ability by eliciting student performance that approximates actual language behaviour. An e.g. of a direct test to test writing ability is to have students write essays.

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Authentic Tests

An authentic test is one in which the activity that is performed closely resembles what is done outside the testing of the testing situation. For e.g., if a test requires that you take down notes based on a lecture, this task can be considered authentic as it reflects what you may be required to do in real life.
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Performance based examinations

These are tests that assess the students ability to perform a specific task. The performance test, therefore, is like a direct test. It is also often authentic and can be considered as being similar to a simulation. For e.g. imagine the different communicative scenarios possible and determine ability based on a performance test according to that scenario.
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Types of Grammar Tests - Discrete Type

The

MCQ - Objective

Easy to grade and able to cover a lot of grammatical points quickly

Error

Correction Identify the error from a list of options usually given in a sentence Item Items to test knowledge of word or sentence order
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Syntatic

Grammar Tests Discrete (contd)

Items Completion Candidates to fill in the blanks in sentences. Options can be provided. Ideal for vocabulary testing

Transformation Items Candidates are asked to provide an alternative sentence to the original one without changing its meaning

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Grammar Tests Discrete (Contd)

Word

Changing Items Aim at testing candidates understanding of changing the form of the word in a sentence Combining Task or Sentence Reordering Test the ability to link / combine two or more sentences together or the ability to put words in order to form meaningful sentence

Sentence

Sentence

Expansion / Sentence Completion The reverse of sentence combination this task test the ability in providing more information based on limited input. Both the above can be used in preparing for composition writing as well. 17

Grammar Tests - Discrete (Contd)

Cloze Fill

Passage

in the blanks / Fill-ins / False or Yes / No Items or Sentence Writing / Opposite meanings

True

Parallel Similar

Specific

Linguistics elements
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Grammar Tests - Communication/ Performance Based

Formal

Writing -reports, composition, letters, etc writing- notes, diaries, letters, etc

Informal

Summary

/ Modified Cloze
aural-oral tasks The 4 Ps Prepare and Present Pretend and Perform
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Paraphrase Translation Alternatives

Assessing Grammar - Examples

FOCUS Syntactocentric

GROUP Guided writing e.g. letter completion, rewriting, information transfer Syntax, Semantics Exs. Reviews Open-ended sentence completion Parallel Writing Drama/ Debate/ Roleplay / Interviews Performance / Authentic tasks

INDIVIDUAL Blank filling (Fill-ins) Sentence reordering/ completion MCQ Cloze Exs. Matching Substitution Table Expansion exercises Scrambled exercises Transformation exercises Reflections Performance / Authentic tasks
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Communicative

Buzz Activity :

Discuss, Design and Deliver (Present) a test (discrete and performance based) you would use to assess the following grammatical items ( Select one) : - Adjectives - Simple Past Tense - Subject - Verb Agreement

Consider the various types of tests and the relevant purposes pointed out, discussed with a friend the test and the rationale / purpose to be used for the grammatical items selected by you. Please share it with us.
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TECHNIQUES - Grammar Test

HOW TO TEST ? The 4 language skills are taught together plus phonology, grammar and vocabulary.

The 2 main features of grammar testing techniques are I discrete-item analysis II performance / integrative type Do we need both types or can we do with just one ? Why do you say so? Assessing grammar is now more focused on the principle of integration of skills. Do you agree?
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Testing Grammar in Isolation/ Overt manner (Discrete)

Word

Classes / Parts of Speech

Tenses Rules Procedures, Linguistics

Sequences, Process

Elements SVO, Structures, etc.

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Testing Grammar in Context / Covert manner (Performance / Communicative)

Syntax and semantics Analysis in context Skills - R, W, L and S Integrations Integrative - Language games / activities Communication tasks eg. Oral Description - eg describing pictures, objects, locations and Group discussion, role-play, drama Problem sloving etc.

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Ensuring Grammar Assessment /Test is Precise

Reliability Validity Authenticity Interactiveness Impact Practicality Assessment, Evaluation, Examination and Testing Do they mean the same thing ?
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And, bear in mind

Dont test what is not taught Dont test for testing sake (general) Dont introduce new techniques in test Dont over load on accuracy Remember to test the test
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FIN

THANK - YOU

OGOS 2012 CPW

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