Филологические науки/5.Методы и приемы контроля уровня владения иностранным языком.

Kuimova M.V.

National research Tomsk polytechnic university

Tomsk, Russia

Assessment in foreign language learning process

Testing and assessment play an essential part in educational process. Teaching practice assumes that without a certain control of training activities the results of teaching might become less obvious and trustworthy. That is why the problems of knowledge, skills and abilities testing are still relevant today.

Effective testing of the learning process is aimed at identifying whether the studied material is mastered by a student. There exist diverse tests:

· placement tests (They serve to divide new students into groups so that they could study at approximately the same level with their peers);

· progress tests (It is the most widespread form of tests. These tests are aimed at assessing the progress done by students in the classroom. In most cases, they are developed to motivate students and show them the degree of learning success and identify definite areas of weakness and difficulty);

· achievement tests (In most cases they are quite formal, pointed at showing mastery of a particular syllabus. For example, end-of-year tests, school-leaving exams, public tests, etc.);

· proficiency tests (They are used to measure students’ achievements in relation to a specific task which they are later required to perform (e.g. follow a university course, ability to study at an advanced program, etc.);

· diagnostic tests (It might include progress, achievement and proficiency tests. This kind of tests enables teachers to identify specific weaknesses/difficulties so that an appropriate remedial programme can be planned);

· aptitude tests (measure students probable performance).

When testing is well-thought, well-organized and properly planned it:

· stimulates learning activities;

· increases learning motivation;

· allows students to adjust their learning activities;

· helps to receive information about the results of the class as a whole and each student individually.

Testing as a method of control plays a positive role in the process of studying foreign languages. Monitoring and evaluation of the foreign language knowledge level is an important component of any educational process. The main task of the control is objectivity and credibility. Moreover, tests are the most economical form of control and a more objective measure to find out how well the students mastered the language material.