ELS 111: LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE TEACHING AND TESTING TECHNIQUES

Language Teaching and Language Testing: a way and ways to make appropriate connections "*

And do the following:

1. Give a briefing of what language teaching is all about

2. Give a briefing of what language Testing is all about

3. Way and Ways to make appropriate connections.

Written by : KONSO OUMAROU CHARLOTTE

Matricule : 23ENS0879
1- Language Teaching

Language Teaching since the nineteenth century has know important developments in theories and
practices. Many assumptions were made to explain language acquisition and methods of teaching but
tremendous contributions which have strengths and weaknesses.The twenty - first century still draws on
these old theories psychologist , social and humanistic , to explain language learning principles and
theorize on the teaching of second language in classrooms. It is quite observable that successful learning
occurs when suitable approches and methods are used in classroom situations in addition to other
factors which are internal to learners such as cognition , personality and motivation. Some learners
learn a new language more quickly than others , because they are successful in learning a new
language , and it is obvious that there are some crucial factors influencing success which are mostly
beyond the control of the learner.

More over , the English language teaching tradition has been subject to tremendous change, especially
throughout the twentieth century. Perhaps more than any other discipline, this tradition has been
practiced, in various adaptations, in language classrooms all around the world for centuries. While the
teaching of Maths or Physics, that is, the methodology of teaching Maths or Physics, has, to a greater or
lesser extent, remained the same, this is hardly the case with English or language teaching in general.
A search in contemporary dictionaries reveals that learning is " acquiring or getting of knowledge of a
subject of a skill by study , experience , or instruction ." Oddly , an educational psychologist would define
learning even more succinctly as " a change in an individual caused by experience" ( Slavin 2003 , p.138).
Similarly , teaching , which is implied in the first definition of learning, may be defined as " showing or
helping someone to learn how to do something, giving instructions , guiding in the study of something,
providing with knowledge, causing to know or understand." Language Teaching is very important
because it helps students to know the rules of grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation. One of the
major objectives of language teaching is to equip learners with the ability to read and write with
understanding, communicate effectively and to make them use language with ease in different
situations. In addition, there are four aspects which indicates the objectives of language teaching These
four aspects indicate four objectives of English language teaching teaching at junior level. They are: (i)
To understand spoken language, (ii) To speak the language, (iii) To write the language, (iv) To read the
language .
A - Language Teaching Methods

A language teaching method is a single set of procedures which teachers are to follow in the classroom.
Methods are usually based on a set of beliefs about the nature of language and learning.

* The Direct Method

In this method, the teaching is done entirely in the language being learned. The learner is not allowed to
use his or her original language. Grammar rules are avoided and there is an emphasis on good
pronunciation.

*Grammar-Translation

In this method, learning is largely by translation to and from the target language. Grammar rules are to
be memorized and long lists of vocabulary learned by heart. There is little or no emphasis placed on
developing oral ability. This method is most commonly used in secondary education.

* Audio-Lingual

The theory behind this method is that learning a language means acquiring habits. There is much
practice of dialogues in every situation. New language is first heard and extensively drilled before being
seen in its written form.

* The Structural Approach

This method sees language as a complex of grammatical rules which are to be learned one at a time in a
set order. So for example the verb “to be” is introduced and practiced before the present continuous
tense which uses “to be” as an auxiliary. This method of learning is common in language learning apps.

* Total Physical Response (TPR)

TPR works by having the learner respond to simple commands such as “Stand up”, “Close your book”,
“Go to the window and open it.” The method stresses the importance of aural comprehension and the
importance of kinesthetic learning.

* Communicative Language Teaching (CLT)

The focus of this method is to enable the learner to communicate effectively and appropriately in the
various situations she would be likely to find herself in. The content of CLT courses are functions such as
inviting, suggesting, complaining, or notions such as the expression of time, quantity, location. Much like
The Structural Approach, this method is commonly used in language learning apps.

* Task-based language learning

The focus of the teaching is on the completion of a task which in itself is interesting to the learners.
Learners use the language they already have to complete the task and there is little correction of errors.
The aim here is to highlight the importance of learning the language by making it vital to task
completion.

*The Natural Approach

This approach, propounded by Professor S. Krashen, stresses the similarities between learning the first
and second languages. There is no correction of mistakes. Learning takes place by the students being
exposed to language that is comprehensible or made comprehensible to them.

B- Importance of language teaching

Language is not only at the centre of the intellectual universe but also human life. It is one of the most
important ways of expressing our negative or positive feelings for people, it is vital to achieving many
of our goals and our careers, it is a source of artistic satisfaction of simple pleasure. People use language
for many various purposes like planning our lives and remembering our past, exchange experiences
thoughts, ideas, and emotions, and we identify ourselves with people who speak the same language.
Some people in the community are able to do this in more than one language. Knowing another
language can often boost your career, getting better job, a chance of getting education, the ability to
take a fuller part in the life of one’s own country or the opportunity to emigrate to another, the best
way to broaden one’s literary and cultural horizons ,the expression of one’s political rights or religious
views. It affects people’s careers and possible futures, their lives and every identities. In a world where
probably more people speak two languages than speak one, language learning and language teaching
are vital to the everyday lives of millions.

2- Language testing

In 2010, Priscilla Allen from the University of Washington defined language testing as the practice and
study of the candidate's ability to use languages effectively. Language testing assesses a person's ability
to communicate in the spoken language effectively. They can also be multiple-choice questions.Simply
put, language testing is the measurement of a person's ability to use language in some way , it is also is
a broad category of testing that assesses aspects of a person's ability to understand or communicate in a
particular language. Language testing is used for a variety of purposes.The purpose of a language test is
to determine a person's knowledge and/or ability in the language and to discriminate that person's
ability from that of others. Moreover, Formal language testing can help you differentiate between
different levels of proficiency and make sure you're hiring the best possible candidate. Relying on the
subjective opinion of your internal team exposes you to the biases that always come with subjective
opinions.Typically, four skills can be used to measure a candidate's ability to understand and
communicate in a language: reading, writing, listening and speaking. The level of competency required
for each skill can vary depending on the job role.

Assessment methods define the nature of the assessor actions and include examine, interview, and test.
The examine method is the process of reviewing, inspecting, observing, studying, or analyzing one or
more assessment objects (i.e., specifications, mechanisms, or activities).There are seven techniques that
can be used, the assessment of performance, attitude assessment, written assessment, project
assessment, product assessment, the use of portfolios and self-assessment. Assessment types are
Diagnostic, Formative and Summative.

3- Way and ways to make appropriate connections

in teaching, you can use several strategies to make meaningful connections and promote positive
mental health in the classroom.

Encourage collaboration.

Foster open communication.

Personalise learning.

Practice active listening.

Provide opportunities for bonding.

Show empathy.

Create a positive classroom culture.

References

* Language teaching and language testing : a way and ways make appropriate connections

* Types of language test: Dr N.Benmostefa

* http//www.indeed .com