The objectives, construction, and use of the lowest and most general test of the Chambre de Commerce et d'Industrie de Paris series of business French proficiency tests are outlined, and the centers authorized to administer the test in the United States are listed. (MSE)

A study was done to identify the cultural or linguistic bias present in an English as a second language placement examination at the university level. Test items exhibiting bias in their respective skill domains were identified by comparing 34 native Spanish speakers and 77 native Chinese speakers. (SED)

The relative contributions of learning style dimensions, intelligence quotient, and their interactions to prediction of academic performance were examined. Kindergarten students were evaluated, and their first grade achievement was studied. Although IQ was found the better predictor, learning styles accounted for statistically significant…

Presents an overview of activities in field of computer-assisted language learning at the University of Dundee (Scotland). These include: (1) use and testing of a self-instructional teacher's package, (2) development of the computer-controlled tape recorder, (3) cloze-type gapping exercises, and (4) projects aimed at the word processing component…

Discusses foreign language testing methods, particularly of receptive skills, and how the choice of method for any particular government agency is subject to the constraints imposed by the following factors: (1) method of correction, (2) ease of production and number of exam versions required, (3) content of the test, and (4) administration of the…

An information-processing approach to language learning is examined; language aptitude is factored into the approach, and the role of working memory is discussed. The process of learning includes two processes that make heavy use of working memory is: automatization and restructuring. At first, learners must make a conscious effort to remember and…

The first four volumes, comprised of newsletters published during the period of August 1992-January 1996, of the Association of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE) include articles on: the origins, aims, activities, and membership of the organization; conference activities; development of language testing standards and procedures; guidelines for…

A study investigated the concurrent validity of the cloze test administered with an essay test to Korean university students. Subjects were 129 students enrolled in English-as-a-Second-Language courses in Korea. A seventh-word deleted cloze test and a descriptive essay test were administered. Analysis of results indicate a significant correlation…

This study examines whether working memory capacity, a construct of current information processing theory, correlates with fluent foreign language (L2) speech production. It is based on M. Daneman's study (1991), who found significant correlation between individuals' working memory capacity and the fluency with which they can speak their first…

This report was undertaken to help the Tennessee State government comply with federal requirements that all states collect valid, reliable, and uniform data for programs receiving federal funds as English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) adult education programs. Data must be collected to report learner gains in reading, writing, speaking, and…

A study examined the role of the native language (Arabic) in assessing the reading comprehension of learners of English as a second language. Subjects were 60 secondary school students in two comparable classes in Jordan. After receiving instruction for one month using reading material in the prescribed textbook, students were administered a…

This report summarizes program evaluation information for the AISD bilingual and English as a second language programs for the 2004-2005 school year.

This article discusses an experiment carried out with university English as foreign language students to test the validity of multiple choice examinations for reading comprehension. (CFM)

Notes the increasing use of English language testing in Australia for nonlinguistic purposes in contexts governed by political pressures. Explores recent test examples and the pragmatic considerations giving rise to such test development. (28 references) (Author/CK)

Examines bias in Australian school examinations as it affects learners of languages other than English from different primary language backgrounds. Argues that the determination of whether tests are biased depends on how the test construct is defined and on whom is defining it. This issue is discussed within the context of a plan to compensate…