Reflection 1

Assessment = examination / test?'

I am always scared when I do my exams. But sadly to say, tests seem to be an unavoidable thing in teaching and learning. In my concept, test and assessment are not two “very” different terms in education and they are always seen as the same thing. In fact, test is only a genre of assessment, and assessment is an ongoing process that encompasses a wide range of methodological techniques, but not a one-time evaluation/measurement of students’ language/academic skills. These types of assessments: entrance test, placement test and diagnostic test can somehow be used as database for developing future teaching plans to facilitate students’ learning. To be brief, there are few important steps of developing a test: starting from purposes, defining the domain, specifying indicators of targets, writing up items, and leveling etc.

In language assessment it converts abstract concepts and constructs into observable language behaviors. The new 334 educational reform, DSE, is one of the examples of achievement test that measure and determine students’ achievement in terms of interpersonal skills, knowledge, language skills and experience.