Abstract
This chapter focuses on an important and often neglected component of ELT, which is testing and assessment. In the Philippines, there is a dearth of substantial research on the topic. While most studies about English language testing are concerned with the psychometric dimensions of tests, very few, if any, investigate test bias and fairness. Throughout history, tests have been used to control human behavior. Language tests have been and continue to be used for gatekeeping purposes. To what extent are these test practices fair to test-takers? To what extent are test instruments inclusive of all speakers of the English language? Are English language tests biased against so-called ‘non-native’ users of the language? This chapter looks at the social dimension of English language testing. Using the Philippines as context, the chapter raises some concerns about bias and fairness in testing policies and practices in the country.
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Notes
- 1.
A comprehensive history of testing is found in Chapter 7 of Madaus et al. (2009).
- 2.
The Common Core State Standards is a career and college readiness initiative launched in 2009 and adopted by 48 states in the USA (http://www.corestandards.org)
- 3.
I am using the term “Inner Circle” English, following the Three Concentric Model of Englishes of Braj Kachru (1992). In this model, three circles of Englishes are presented, namely, Inner Circle (the USA, the UK, Canada, and the like), Outer Circle (the Philippines, Malaysia, India, Nigeria, and the like), and Expanding Circle (China, Japan, Korea, and the like).
- 4.
EIL or English as an International Language and ELF or English as Lingua Franca are used interchangeably by Yano in his response to Davies et al. (2003).
- 5.
In another chapter in this volume, Doplon provides a list of 13 language-related policy statements issued by the Philippine government from 2001 to 2009.
- 6.
The 19 mother tongues recognized by the K to 12 curriculum include Aklanon, Bikol, Cebuano, Chabacano, Hiligaynon, Iloko, Ivatan, Kapampangan, Kinaray-a, Maguindanaoan, Maranao, Pangasinense, Sambal, Surigaonon, Tagalog, Tausug, Waray, Yakan, and Ybanag.
- 7.
As it was not possible to use items from the NAT, I selected items from NAT review books instead.
- 8.
Standard American English would use the following expressions: “Please dispose of your garbage properly,” “For vehicles bound for Quezon City,” and “Get a free subscription to the magazine.”
- 9.
Kirkpatrick’s chapter in this volume discusses ELF in ASEAN in greater detail.
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Appendix
Appendix
Ten-item MCF Test for Public and Private HS Students
(Selected from Alferez and Feliciano 2000; Alferez 2009)
Directions
Items in this part are incomplete sentences. Following each of these sentences, there are four words or phrases. Select the one word or phrase labelled (a), (b), (c), or (d)-that best completes the sentence. Encircle your answer.
-
1.
Don’t allow your tasks to ______, finish all your tasks in time.
a. build in
c. build
b. build on
d. build up
-
2.
Preposition relates one word to another word, phrase to another phrase, clause to another clause. To what will the preposition on be accurately used?
a. on 1981
c. on 1319 Pilar Street
b. on Manila
d. on Monday
-
3.
Cyril jumped __________ that car and drove away.
a. in
b. into
c. at
d. for
-
4.
Fill in the blank. My friends and I will meet ________ the new restaurant along Roxas Boulevard.
a. at
b. in
c. on
d. of
-
5.
Fill in the blank. _______________ the stadium, everyone was fighting because of the deliberate foul committed by one of the basketball players.
a. Inside
c. Within
b. On
d. In
-
6.
The bank employees are well __________.
a. taken care for
c. taken cared of
b. taken care of
d. taken cared for
-
7.
My grandmother has a lot of antique _________.
a. jeweler
c. jewelry’s
b. jewelry
d. jewelries
-
8.
She was caught ________ during the meeting.
a. aware
c. awares
b. unaware
d. unawares
-
9.
Do not be absent ________ your classes anymore.
a. from
c. at
b. for
d. to
-
10.
Your taste in perfume ______ mine.
a. is different for
c. was different to
b. is different from
d. was different than
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Martin, I.P. (2018). The Social Dimension of English Language Testing in the Philippines. In: Martin, I. (eds) Reconceptualizing English Education in a Multilingual Society. English Language Education, vol 13. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-7528-5_12
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