A discussion of current second language testing trends and practices in Australia focuses on the use of performance assessment, providing examples of its application in four specific contexts: an occupational English test used for to assess job-related English language skills as part of the certification procedure for health professionals;…

An examination of second language learning focuses on how universal cognitive processes in language learning and individual differences account for differences in language learning patterns. An introductory section gives background information suggesting that psycholinguistic factors in language learning should receive more attention for two…

This report begins with a brief history of the City University of New York (CUNY), including the institution of its "Open Admissions Policy," and the end to free tuition. During the late 70's and early 80's, CUNY began to bring order to the chaos of remedial experiments brought on by open admissions. Assessment tests in reading, writing,…

This annual volume is a compilation of articles addressing evaluation, management, professional affairs, practice parameters, and clinical application of speech and language services. Featured articles include: (1) "Comparison of Pressure, Flow, and Resistance for Modal and Loft Register Productions" (Joseph L. Langhans and Peter J.…

Current research in the English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) field has not assessed the comparative ability of indirect and direct test scores to predict academic success. Work of this kind would inform practice in the area of testing and placement. This study investigates the practical problem of making appropriate placement decisions for students…

This manual aids professional development adult education (AE) facilitators in conducting AE workshops using Quality Professional Development (QPD) Project materials. A workshop outline is provided. Six sections correspond to the six manuals in the training package. Section components are as follows: objectives for five or six units; activities;…

The introduction of training packages has focused attention on the quality of assessment in the Australian vocational education and training (VET) sector on the quality of assessment. For the process of mutual recognition under the Australian Recognition Framework (ARF) to work effectively, there needs to be confidence in assessment decisions made…

This paper introduces a model of adaptive learning relevant to adult learners of English for academic purposes (EAP) in Australia. Adaptive learning refers to latent variables hypothesized to contribute to optimal performance in the language. The model comprises motivation, self-efficacy, language learning anxiety, language learning strategies,…

This collection of four essays examines the ways in which education, as a discipline, currently reflects ongoing scholarship on gender, race, ethnicity, social class, and sexual orientation. In "Teacher Education and Multicultural Education: Research, Students, and Teaching" Carl A. Grant notes that while a growing number of universities are…

At the request of a special commission appointed by the Governor of Massachusetts for an investigation relative to technical and higher education in that Commonwealth, Dr. George F. Zook, specialist in higher education in the Bureau of Education, recently directed and completed a survey. One of the chief problems involved was the possibility of…

The Orientation Center for Foreign Students and Trainees, located at Wilson Teachers College, Washington, D. C., is financed by a grant-in-aid from the Department of State. It is operated under the advice and direction of the National Education Association, the Board of Education of the District of Columbia, and the Division of International…

Describes a case study involving a learning disabled high school student enrolled in a vocational education program. Discusses weaknesses in the student's auditory learning mode and oral comprehension, as well as procedures to compensate for these deficiencies. (MH)

Argues that college graduates need crucial advanced reading skills beyond entry-level skills required for college admission, and summarizes national educational outcomes research on reading competence, including skills of interpretation, analysis, evaluation, inference, and reflection, and attitudes toward reading. Examines implications for…

Examines the increase in popularity of objective testing in the United Kingdom and addresses some of the accompanying academic issues. Reports on a case study of test production and implementation to illustrate issues of time costs and benefits. Discusses question styles, marking schemes, and the problem of guesswork. (MJP)

The program design and psychometric characteristics of the Maryland School Performance Assessment Program (MSPAP) are described, focusing on scaling, equating, standard setting, score accuracy, and validity. The MSPAP is an innovative performance-based testing program administered annually to students in grades three, five, and eight. (SLD)