A Practical Guide to Language Assessment

An essential resource on effective language assessment, invaluable for a new generation of teachers and education researchers

A Practical Guide to Language Assessment helps educators at every level redefine their approach to language assessment. Grounded in extensive research and aligned with the latest advances in language education, this comprehensive guide introduces foundational concepts and explores key principles in test development and item writing. Authored by a team of experienced language teacher educators, this book addresses the potential impacts of poorly designed tools and prepares teachers to make informed, effective assessment decisions.

Perfect for developing test blueprints and crafting effective assessment tools, including those for young learners, A Practical Guide to Language Assessment bridges the gap between theory and practice to provide the real-world training educators need to successfully navigate the complexities of modern language assessment. Clear and accessible chapters highlight the critical role of well-designed assessments, emphasize the importance of selecting appropriate tools to accurately measure student proficiency, and discuss recent innovations and emerging needs. With practical examples and a focus on current innovations, including ‘ungrading’ and the use of AI, A Practical Guide to Language Assessment:

• Explains the foundational concepts of language assessment with practical examples and clear explanations
• Bridges theoretical principles with practical applications, enabling educators to create effective test blueprints and assessment items and tasks
• Provides up-to-date coverage of timely topics such as the integration of AI in assessments and the ethical and legal considerations of language testing
• Features a wealth of in-depth examples of how theoretical concepts can be operationalized in practice

A Practical Guide to Language Assessment is an essential read for students in language education, as well as teachers, assessment managers, professional development trainers, and policymakers in language program evaluation.