Abstract
The paper aims to develop the concept of “positiveness” in relation to evaluating reading comprehension in a foreign language (FL) classroom. It explores the question how to make this kind of evaluation a positive experience for both learners and teachers. First, the most common testing techniques, such as multiple choice questions and open-ended questions are discussed, which is followed by a presentation of less traditional techniques, i.e., think-aloud protocols, interviews and conferencing with students. The validity, reliability, practicality and authenticity of the techniques are examined. In the paper the author puts forward a crucial question in what way the aforementioned techniques can “bring out the best” in both those who are evaluated and those who evaluate, thereby making evaluation a fruitful constructive learning/teaching situation. The discussion is illustrated with the examples taken from the author’s own teaching practice as well as her research.
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Appendix
The text the students read in the think aloud session, taken from Lasch (1992, p. 71). Only the first three paragraphs are provided.
Is Progress Obsolete?
2.1 A Noted Historian Argues that the Dream Has Become Far Too Exclusive
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Progress and democracy, we assume, go hand in hand. Progress means abundance: more labor-saving machines, more comforts, more choices. It means a rich life for everyone, not for the privileged classes alone. Or so we used to believe, until recent events began to suggest that progress may have limits after all.
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Compared with the rest of the world, industrial nations enjoy a lavish standard of living. The affluence generated by industrialism looks even more impressive when compared with living standards that prevailed throughout most of the millennium now drawing to a close. Goods that would once have been considered luxuries have become staples of everyday consumption. Medicine has reduced infant mortality and conquered many of the diseases that formerly struck down people in their prime. A vast increase in life expectancy dramatizes the contrast between our world and that of our ancestors in the distant past.
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To be sure, we pay a price for progress. Constant change gives rise to widespread nervousness and anxiety. In solving old problems, we often create new ones in their place. Improvements in life expectancy make possible an aging population that puts a growing strain on the health-care system. Private cars give us unprecedented mobility but swell the volume of traffic to the point of gridlock. In the course of enjoying the delights of consumption, we generate so much garbage that we are running out of places to dump it.
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Kusiak-Pisowacka, M. (2016). How to Test for the Best: Implementing Positive Psychology in Foreign Language Testing. In: Gabryś-Barker, D., Gałajda, D. (eds) Positive Psychology Perspectives on Foreign Language Learning and Teaching. Second Language Learning and Teaching. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-32954-3_16
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