Dictation in language testing is discussed: its definition, types, history, procedures, possible applications, and some issues concerning dictation as a device for testing English as a Foreign Language. A sample passage for testing student proficiency is included. (22 references) (LB)

Quantitative growth curve models for estimating individual developmental functions from various types of longitudinal data are discussed in the context of investigator assumptions and research design characteristics. Linear and nonlinear models that estimate growth curves are illustrated, and contrasted when they are fit to speech development…

Analyzes statistical data from 1988 National Health Interview Survey to determine adult awareness of and experience with HIV antibody testing. Following findings reported: most knew of test; 17 percent had been tested; Blacks and Hispanics were more likely than Whites to have been voluntarily tested; and high-risk group members were more likely…

Reactions of Spanish and Italian teenagers to test items on English language ability placement tests were examined. C-tests were the most negatively rated, apparently because of the perceived difficulty of this type of test. No significant differences were observed between genders or between language groups. (Author/JL)

This article describes how a course viewing East German literature from the perspective of the new Germany can be planned and taught, with special attention to text selection, class activities, and testing strategies designed to raise linguistic proficiency of students of different language levels in one literature class. (Author/AB)

Examined past-tense inflection of verbs in Norwegian. Data from specifically language-impaired children, normally developing children, and adults were studied by a test constructed to find how input factors such as type and token of frequency and phonological acquisition influence acquisition of past-tense inflection. The goal was to learn whether…

Three professors share techniques for helping students focus on assessments required in classes. Charts are used to show students the specific concepts, principles, and problems that will be included on multiple-choice tests; rubrics developed for assigned work are used to increase student expectations and direct their explorations; and negotiated…

Investigates the assumption that pseudowords repetition accuracy may be highly associated with vocabulary abilities. Subjects were junior high school students learning English as a second language. (Author/VWL)

Outlines some of the problem areas described by researchers when designing a test of oral production for beginning-level speakers of English, and suggests ways in which these areas may be addressed. (Author/VWL)

This study focuses on changes in listener ability to identify a language after brief periods of exposure. Specifically, it looks at whether minimal exposure to spoken samples of a language improve identification of novel samples and in what ways exposure materials affect listener performance. (Author/JL)

Analyzed the diagnostic teaching abilities in the domains of literacy and numeracy of second-year teachers in a Dutch primary school. Assessed student's literacy development using standardized tests, and compared results of these tests with teachers' criterion-referenced judgment of their pupils' literacy development. Found teachers' judgments to…

Maintains that standardized testing undermines efforts for quality teaching and learning in public schools. Discusses the misconceptions behind the focus on testing and why testing does not improve student achievement or schools. Reviews the efforts and sacrifices teachers, parents, and students have made in resisting standardized testing. (CMK)

Examined how Hebrew-speaking children acquired Hebrew-derived nominals (HDNs) of two types (action nominals and deverbal nouns). Child and adult native Hebrew speakers were tested on comprehension and production of HDNs. Acquisition of HDNs began at age 8 and was not complete by age 15. Task type, binyan patterns, and morphological regularity all…

Three experiments are reported that showed effects of "structure priming," the tendency to repeat syntactic structure across successive sentences. These effects were demonstrated in Dutch, a previously untested language. All experiments studied spoken sentence production. (Author/JL)

Relates a pilot test of an elementary band method book for group instruction in Brazilian music education. Focused on the amount of content taught within three one-hour classes per week and studied the quality of learning. Concludes that the group covered 17 pages of the book, learned outside material, and performed four concerts. (CMK)