Presents a collection of suggestions for using computers to enhance learning, including: creating a Webquest to help students recognize the tactics advertisers use; using the Internet to participate in a global water sampling project; creating, administering, and grading tests online; and going to a Cyrano de Bergerac Web site to compose a love…

Discusses how to tackle the problem of determining a meaningful score for yes-no tests used to measure the size of receptive vocabulary. Signal Detection Theory is applied, and a new more accurate index is suggested. (Author/VWL)

Reviews what is happening in examination systems that have begun to allow the use of Computer Algebra Systems (CAS) in externally set 'high stakes' assessment regimes. Discusses possible options for the future with the intention of developing a dialogue on how assessment with a CAS can help develop the mathematical literacy of students. (Author/MM)

Reports findings from a study in two stages to trial tests of vocabulary size in English as an additional language. The first stage trialled the Levels test and the Yes/No test. In the second, the Levels test was used with students aged 13 and 14 years. Results of the tests show a different profile of scores for EAL than occur in typical…

Argues for more responsible education accountability system. Builds on earlier work and presents alternative concepts that are more responsive to the purposes and functions of public schooling in a democratic society. Proposes ideas about good teaching and learning and the educational needs of students and their families, particularly in…

Discusses using students' native language (L1) versus second language in testing instruments for reading comprehension in the second language (L2) classroom. Students of college-level Spanish were tested under different conditions involving combinations of the L1 and L2. Suggests using open-ended reading comprehension tests if some questions are…

Discusses the relationship between the terms psycholinguistics and applied linguistics, and in the process explores key issues in multilingual processing, such as the structure of the bilingual lexicon, language choice in production and perception, and the language mode. (Author/VWL)

Discusses the choice of an English placement test. Suggests that English language screening decisions need to be examined from within the context of a particular institution's situation. Provides questions to be addressed before choosing an appropriate screening device. (Author/VWL)

Texas began alternative teacher certification in 1985, attracting diverse populations into teaching. Although criterion-referenced tests demonstrate program success, there should be additional ways to determine whether individuals are qualified to practice the art of teaching. (SK)

Anthony Bruton comments on Brown and Hudson's article "The Alternatives in Language Assessment," (v32 n4 Win 1998). Raises questions about some of their definitions and categories and suggests additional items that need to be considered by test takers. Brown and Hudson reply with clarifications of terms and definition of the scope of their paper.…

Discusses the necessity for making teaching and learning needs take precedence over being driven by technological advances on the Internet and the World Wide Web and proposes three different formats for utilizing the Web in online and classroom undergraduate instruction. Topics include analyzing course objectives; student motivation; grading; and…

Explores the growth of the U.S. testing industry since the 1900s. Discusses the technical developments that have encouraged the use of standardized testing and contributed to the growth of the testing industry. Attempts to quantify the expansion of the testing marketplace through the 20th century. Includes references. (CMK)

Human performance in cognitive testing and experimental psychology is expressed in terms of response speed and accuracy. Data analysis is often limited to either speed or accuracy, and/or to crude summary measures like mean response time (RT) or the percentage correct responses. This paper proposes the use of mixed regression for the psychometric…

Governments have just a few policy levers they can pull to improve schooling. In this article, the authors show how British Columbia is making systematic use of one--information--to focus attention on improving student performance. Parents, students, educators, and elected officials all agree that the high-level performance of schools should be…

Benjamin Bloom proposed six hierarchical and cumulative levels of testing to measure different levels of student subject knowledge. A review of these levels would assist the business law teacher in developing tests to measure the desired level of student mastery of the subject. It might also prove to be a tool for the teacher to assist in…