Formal Testing in TEFL

Various Types of Formal Testing

Formal testing is important to both student and TEFL teacher and may be administered at either the start of a course; end of a course or at the end of a specific area of work such

as at the end of a unit in a course book.

There are various reasons for testing. For the TEFL teacher it can show the effectiveness of

the teaching/learning and it also tells you what needs to be taught/learnt/revised.

For the ESL/EFL student it gives an idea of own progress which is motivating and also it’s

good for class dynamic.

There are four types of formal tests: Progress test, Proficiency test, Placement test and

Diagnostic test.

You can test specific items that you have taught in class such as vocabulary, structure,

function, register and pronunciation.

You can also test skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking; or decide to test the

general fluency and communicative efficiency of your students.

An important thing to remember when administering a test is to mark and return it quickly. Go over it with your students, check answers and give appropriate feedback and

clarification.

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