Sunday, October 21, 2007

iBT TOEFL ~ reflecting authenticity...2

Topic: Purposes and Types of Language Test Date: 15 January 2007 11:10 AM
Subject: Re:iBT TOEFL ~ reflecting authenticity... Author: Mondy, Steven

It's good to here that others are having similar issues with the TOEFL/TOEIC...My biggest question is whether these new changes are reflective of what is needed by these students. Are we being led down the road in a chicken and egg race, that will end up in our students getting more confused? I think that all the skills that I mentioned before are purposeful and relevant to teaching practice and learning, yet I don't want a situation where it's the test that dictates what we need to focus on in our classes, unless it is truly what our particular students need to know. Isn't a test an evaluation instrument, and not a prescriptive force?
Steven Mondy