Too much emphasis on test scores – We live in testing times. We also live in a time of globalization, immigration and the internationalization of schools and universities around the world.
Our current obsession with school accountability and student learning outcomes has resulted in the increased use and abuse of test scores —in particular language test scores.
Despite the considerable consequences of language testing, what exactly do test scores indicate? What can we tell about someone and their achievement or professional capability from a single test score? What are the implications when bureaucrats and education officials misinterpret test scores when making policy decisions on immigration or attracting more international students?
In my role as director of the Assessment and Evaluation Group in the Faculty of Education at Queen’s University, I’ve been involved in research on how students are tested for language proficiency and the consequences of such testing.
It’s an important topic because evidence shows that an ability to speak a second language can determine so many things about an immigrant’s future, including economic success, social integration and their overall ability to contribute to society. My research looks at the prevalence and impact of language testing. A key issue is how test scores are used or misused by policy makers.
We should not be using a single test score to make decisions that can have a huge impact on someone’s life. However, governments and organizations tend to do this because it is cheaper and they believe it offers a more clean-cut case on immigration, university entrance and professional certification.
Learn more about this topic by reading this article on Phys.
After reading “Too much emphasis on test scores”, you can check important issues for ESL teachers on the section PDFs. And visit my channel by YouTube.