1887
Volume 41, Issue 1
  • ISSN 0155-0640
  • E-ISSN: 1833-7139
USD
Buy:$35.00 + Taxes

Abstract

Abstract

This paper reports on findings from an ongoing research project exploring Chinese EFL teachers’ conceptions of assessment and their classroom assessment practices, as well as to examine the relationship between these two. The sample for the study consisted of 107 EFL teachers from 18 secondary schools who completed a Chinese version of the Teachers’ Conceptions of Assessment inventory (Brown, Hui, Yu, & Kennedy, 2011) and the Classroom Assessment Practices Questionnaire modified from Assessment Practices Inventory (Zhang & Burry-Stock, 2003). This study found that Chinese EFL teachers strongly associated assessment as a means of improving students’ EFL learning’ with assessment as a means of cultivating positive moral and personal character contributing to students’ lifelong learning and good citizenship. Results also showed that although there existed some level of alignment of teaching and assessment in the classroom, traditional assessment practices rather than alternative assessment such as student self-assessment were seen by the EFL teachers as contributing to students’ learning and making individual and school accountable, which is potentially a matter of some concern if innovative assessment reform that avoids using mandated external examinations is to be carried out in the Chinese EFL classroom. Implications of the results for Chinese EFL teacher assessment literacy development are also discussed

Loading

Article metrics loading...

/content/journals/10.1075/aral.17077.gan
2018-10-12
2024-12-09
Loading full text...

Full text loading...

References

  1. Absolum, M. , Flockton, L. , Hattie, J. , Hipkins, R. , & Reid, I.
    (2009) Directions for assessment in New Zealand (DANZ): Developing students’ assessment capabilities. Wellington: Ministry of Education.
    [Google Scholar]
  2. Ajzen, I.
    (1991) The theory of planned behavior. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 50(2), 179–211.10.1016/0749‑5978(91)90020‑T
    https://doi.org/10.1016/0749-5978(91)90020-T [Google Scholar]
  3. (2005) Attitudes, personality, and behavior (2nd ed.). Milton-Keynes, England: Open University Press/McGraw-Hill.
    [Google Scholar]
  4. Assessment Reform Group
    Assessment Reform Group (2002) Assessment for learning. Retrieved fromarrts.gtcni.org.uk/gtcni/handle/2428/4617
    [Google Scholar]
  5. Biggs, J.
    (1998) Assessment and classroom learning: A role for formative assessment?Assessment in Education: Principles, Policy and Practice, 5(1), 103–110.10.1080/0969595980050106
    https://doi.org/10.1080/0969595980050106 [Google Scholar]
  6. Black, P.
    (2015) Formative assessment – an optimistic but incomplete vision. Assessment in Education: Principles, Policy & Practice, 22(1), 161–177.10.1080/0969594X.2014.999643
    https://doi.org/10.1080/0969594X.2014.999643 [Google Scholar]
  7. Black, P. , Harrison, C. , Hodgen, J. , Marshall, B. , & Serret, N.
    (2010) Validity in teachers’ summative assessments. Assessment in Education: Principles, Policy & Practice, 17(2), 215–232.10.1080/09695941003696016
    https://doi.org/10.1080/09695941003696016 [Google Scholar]
  8. Black, P. , Harrison, C. , Lee, C. , Marshall, B. & Wiliam, D.
    (2002) Working inside the black box: Assessment for learning in the classroom. London: GL Assessment.
    [Google Scholar]
  9. Black, P. , Harrison, C. , Lee, C. , Marshall, B. , & Wiliam, D.
    (2003) Assessment for learning: Putting it into practice. Maidenhead, UK: Open University Press.
    [Google Scholar]
  10. Black, P. , & Wiliam, D.
    (1998) Assessment and classroom learning. Assessment in Education: Principles, Policy & Practice, 5(1), 5–74.
    [Google Scholar]
  11. Bolton, K. , & Graddol, D.
    (2012) English in China today, English Today, 28(3), 3–8.10.1017/S0266078412000223
    https://doi.org/10.1017/S0266078412000223 [Google Scholar]
  12. Boud, D.
    (2000) Sustainable assessment: Rethinking assessment for the learning society. Studies in Higher Education, 22(2), 151–167.
    [Google Scholar]
  13. Brookhart, S. M. , Walsh, J. M. , & Zientarski, W. A.
    (2006) The dynamics of motivation and effort for classroom assessments in middle school science and social studies. Applied Measurement in Education, 19(2), 151–184.10.1207/s15324818ame1902_5
    https://doi.org/10.1207/s15324818ame1902_5 [Google Scholar]
  14. Brookhart, S. M.
    (2003) Developing measurement theory for classroom assessment purposes and uses. Educational Measurement: Issues and Practice, 22(4), 5–12.10.1111/j.1745‑3992.2003.tb00139.x
    https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-3992.2003.tb00139.x [Google Scholar]
  15. Brown, G. T. L. , Hui, S. K. F. , Yu, F. W. M. , & Kennedy, K. J.
    (2011) Teachers’ conceptions of assessment in Chinese contexts: A tripartite model of accountability, improvement, and irrelevance. International Journal of Educational Research, 50(5–6), 307–320.10.1016/j.ijer.2011.10.003
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2011.10.003 [Google Scholar]
  16. Brown, G. T. L. , Kennedy, K. J. , Fok, P. K. , Chan, J. K. S. , & Yu, W. M.
    (2009) Assessment for student improvement: Understanding Hong Kong teachers’ conceptions and practices of assessment. Assessment in Education: Principles, Policy and Practice, 16, 347–363.10.1080/09695940903319737
    https://doi.org/10.1080/09695940903319737 [Google Scholar]
  17. Brown, G. T. L. , Lake, R. , & Matters, G.
    (2011) Queensland teachers’ conceptions of assessment: The impact of policy priorities on teacher attitudes. Teaching and Teacher Education, 27(1), 210–220.10.1016/j.tate.2010.08.003
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2010.08.003 [Google Scholar]
  18. Carless, D.
    (2011) From testing to productive student learning: Implementing formative assessment in Confucian-Heritage settings. London: Routledge.
    [Google Scholar]
  19. Chen, J. , & Brown, G. T. L.
    (2016) Tensions between knowledge transmission and student focused teaching approaches to assessment purposes: Helping students improve through transmission. Teachers and Teaching: Theory and Practice, 22(3), 350–367.10.1080/13540602.2015.1058592
    https://doi.org/10.1080/13540602.2015.1058592 [Google Scholar]
  20. Cheng, L. , Rogers, W. T. , & Wang, X.
    (2008) Assessment purposes and procedures in ESL/EFL classrooms. Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, 33(1), 9–32.10.1080/02602930601122555
    https://doi.org/10.1080/02602930601122555 [Google Scholar]
  21. Cheng, L. , & Sun, Y.
    (2015) Teachers’ grading decision making: Multiple influencing factors and methods. Language Assessment Quarterly, 12(2), 213–233.10.1080/15434303.2015.1010726
    https://doi.org/10.1080/15434303.2015.1010726 [Google Scholar]
  22. Cowie, B. , and Bell, B.
    (1999) A model of formative assessment in science education. Assessment in Education: Principles, Policy and Practice, 6(1), 101–116.10.1080/09695949993026
    https://doi.org/10.1080/09695949993026 [Google Scholar]
  23. Darling-Hammond, L.
    (2003, February). Standards and assessments: Where we are and what we need. Teachers College Record. Retrieved fromwww.tcrecord.org
    [Google Scholar]
  24. Davison, C.
    (2004) The contradictory culture of teacher-based assessment: ESL teacher assessment practices in Australian and Hong Kong secondary schools. Language Testing, 21, 305–334.10.1191/0265532204lt286oa
    https://doi.org/10.1191/0265532204lt286oa [Google Scholar]
  25. Davison, C. , & Leung, C.
    (2009) Current issues in English language teacher-based assessment. TESOL Quarterly, 43(3), 393–415.10.1002/j.1545‑7249.2009.tb00242.x
    https://doi.org/10.1002/j.1545-7249.2009.tb00242.x [Google Scholar]
  26. Fulcher, G.
    (2012) Assessment literacy for the language classroom. Language Assessment Quarterly, 9(2), 113–132.10.1080/15434303.2011.642041
    https://doi.org/10.1080/15434303.2011.642041 [Google Scholar]
  27. Gao, L. , & Watkins, D. A.
    (2001) Identifying and assessing the conceptions of teaching of secondary school physics teachers in China. British Journal of Educational Psychology, 71, 443–469.10.1348/000709901158613
    https://doi.org/10.1348/000709901158613 [Google Scholar]
  28. Gebril, A.
    (2017) Language teachers’ conceptions of assessment: An Egyptian perspective. Teacher Development, 21(1), 81–100.10.1080/13664530.2016.1218364
    https://doi.org/10.1080/13664530.2016.1218364 [Google Scholar]
  29. Gibbs, G.
    (1999) Using assessment strategically to change the way students learn. In S. Brown & A. Glasner (Eds.), Assessment matters in higher education: Choosing and using diverse approaches (pp.42–53). Buckingham: Society for Research into Higher Education.
    [Google Scholar]
  30. Gu, P. Y.
    (2014) The unbearable lightness of the curriculum: What drives the assessment practices of a teacher of English as a Foreign Language in a Chinese secondary school?Assessment in Education: Principles, Policy & Practice, 21(3), 286–305.10.1080/0969594X.2013.836076
    https://doi.org/10.1080/0969594X.2013.836076 [Google Scholar]
  31. Hamilton, L. S. , Stecher, B. M. , Marsh, J. A. , McCombs, J. S. , Robyn, A. , Russell, J. L.
    … (2007) Standards-based accountability under no child left behind: Experiences of teachers and administrators in three states. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Education.10.7249/MG589
    https://doi.org/10.7249/MG589 [Google Scholar]
  32. Harlen, W.
    (2007) Assessment of learning. London: Sage Publications Ltd.
    [Google Scholar]
  33. Harris, L. R. , & Brown, G. T. L.
    (2013) Opportunities and obstacles to consider when using peer- and self-assessment to improve student learning: Case studies into teachers’ implementation. Teaching and Teacher Education, 36, 101–111.10.1016/j.tate.2013.07.008
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2013.07.008 [Google Scholar]
  34. Hill, K.
    (2017) Understanding classroom-based assessment practices: A precondition for teacher assessment literacy. Papers in Language Testing and Assessment, 6(1), 1–17.
    [Google Scholar]
  35. Hill, K. , & McNamara, T.
    (2012) Developing a comprehensive, empirically based research framework for classroom-based assessment. Language Testing, 29(3), 395–420.10.1177/0265532211428317
    https://doi.org/10.1177/0265532211428317 [Google Scholar]
  36. Hooper, D. , Coughlan, J. , & Mullen, M.
    (2008) Structural equation modelling: Guidelines for determining model fit. Electronic Journal of Business Research Methods, 6, 53–60.
    [Google Scholar]
  37. Hui, S. K. F.
    (2012) Missing conceptions of assessment: Qualitative studies with Hong Kong curriculum leaders. The Asia-Pacific Education Researcher, 21(2), 375–383.
    [Google Scholar]
  38. Hui, S. K. F. , Brown, G. T. L. , & Chan, S. W. M.
    (2017) Assessment for learning and for accountability in classrooms: The experience of four Hong Kong primary school curriculum leaders. Asia Pacific Education Review, 18(1), 41–51.10.1007/s12564‑017‑9469‑6
    https://doi.org/10.1007/s12564-017-9469-6 [Google Scholar]
  39. Inbar-Lourie, O.
    (2017) Language Assessment Literacy. In Shohamy, E. , Or, I. , May, S. (Eds), Language Testing and Assessment. Encyclopedia of Language and Education (3rd ed.) (pp.257–270). Springer, Cham.
    [Google Scholar]
  40. Kennedy, J. K. , Chan, J. K. S. , Fox, P. K. , & Yu, W. M.
    (2008) Forms of assessment and their potential for enhancing learning: Conceptual and cultural issues. Education Research Policy Practice, 7, 197–207.10.1007/s10671‑008‑9052‑3
    https://doi.org/10.1007/s10671-008-9052-3 [Google Scholar]
  41. Kenny, D. A. , Kaniskan, B. , & McCoach, D. B.
    (2015) The performance of RMSEA in models with small degrees of freedom. Sociological Methods & Research, 44(3), 486–507.10.1177/0049124114543236
    https://doi.org/10.1177/0049124114543236 [Google Scholar]
  42. Kiomrs, R. , Abdolmehdi, R. , Rashidi, N.
    (2011) On the interaction of test washback and teacher assessment literacy: The case of Iranian EFL secondary school teachers. English Language Teaching, 4(1), 156–161.10.5539/elt.v4n1p156
    https://doi.org/10.5539/elt.v4n1p156 [Google Scholar]
  43. Lam, K.
    (2011) Curriculum Reform in Chinese Secondary Education. Retrieved fromhttps://sslvpn.umac.mo/dana/home/launch.cgi
    [Google Scholar]
  44. Leung, C. , & Rea-Dickins, P.
    (2007) Teacher assessment as policy instrument – Contradictions and capacities. Language Assessment Quarterly, 4, 6–36.10.1080/15434300701348318
    https://doi.org/10.1080/15434300701348318 [Google Scholar]
  45. Li, W. S. , & Hui, S. K. F.
    (2007) Conceptions of assessment of mainland China college lecturers: A technical paper analyzing the Chinese version of CoA-III. The Asia-Pacific Education Researcher, 16(2), 185–198.
    [Google Scholar]
  46. Llosa, L.
    (2011) Standards-based classroom assessments of English proficiency: A review of issues, current developments, and future directions for research. Language Testing, 28(3), 367–382.10.1177/0265532211404188
    https://doi.org/10.1177/0265532211404188 [Google Scholar]
  47. McMillan, J. H. , & Turner, A. B.
    (2014) Understanding student voices about assessment: Links to learning and motivation. Paper presented at the2014 Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association, Philadelphia, April.
    [Google Scholar]
  48. Marton, F.
    (1981) Phenomenography – describing conceptions of the world around us. Instructional Science, 10, 177–200.10.1007/BF00132516
    https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00132516 [Google Scholar]
  49. Muthén, L. , & Muthén, B.
    (2015) Mplus statistical modeling software: Release 7.4. Los Angeles, CA: Muthén & Muthén.
    [Google Scholar]
  50. National Bureau of Statistics of China
    National Bureau of Statistics of China (2014) China Statistical Yearbook. China Statistics Press, Beijing.
    [Google Scholar]
  51. Nunan, D.
    (2004) Task-Based Language Teaching. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.10.1017/CBO9780511667336
    https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511667336 [Google Scholar]
  52. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)
    The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) (2016) Education in China: A snapshot. Paris: OECD.
    [Google Scholar]
  53. Pajares, M. F.
    (1992) Teachers’ beliefs and educational research: Cleaning up a messy construct. Review of Educational Research, 62, 307–332.10.3102/00346543062003307
    https://doi.org/10.3102/00346543062003307 [Google Scholar]
  54. Postareff, L. , Virtanen, V. , Katajavuori, N. , & Lindblom-Ylanne, S.
    (2012) Academics’ conceptions of assessment and their assessment practices. Studies in Educational Evaluation, 38, 84–92.10.1016/j.stueduc.2012.06.003
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stueduc.2012.06.003 [Google Scholar]
  55. Purpura, J. E.
    (2016) Second and foreign language assessment. Modern Language Journal, 100, 190–208.10.1111/modl.12308
    https://doi.org/10.1111/modl.12308 [Google Scholar]
  56. Ramsden, P.
    (2003) Learning to teach in higher education (2nd ed.). London: Routledge.10.4324/9780203507711
    https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203507711 [Google Scholar]
  57. Rea-Dickins, P.
    (2004) Understanding teachers as agents of assessment. Language Testing, 21, 249–258.10.1191/0265532204lt283ed
    https://doi.org/10.1191/0265532204lt283ed [Google Scholar]
  58. (2007) Classroom-based assessment: Possibilities and pitfalls. In J. Cummins & C. Davison (Eds.), International handbook of English language teaching (pp.505–520). New York: Springer.10.1007/978‑0‑387‑46301‑8_36
    https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-46301-8_36 [Google Scholar]
  59. Segers, M. , & Tillema, H.
    (2011) How do Dutch secondary teachers and students conceive the purpose of assessment?Studies in Educational Evaluation, 37, 49–54.10.1016/j.stueduc.2011.03.008
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stueduc.2011.03.008 [Google Scholar]
  60. Shepard, L. A.
    (2013) Foreword. In J. H. McMillan (Ed.), Sage handbook of research on classroom assessment (pp.xix–xxii). Thousand Oakes, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc.
    [Google Scholar]
  61. Shulman, L. S.
    (1987) Knowledge and teaching: Foundations of the new reform. Harvard Educational Review, 57(1), 1–22.10.17763/haer.57.1.j463w79r56455411
    https://doi.org/10.17763/haer.57.1.j463w79r56455411 [Google Scholar]
  62. Stefanou, C. , & Parkes, J.
    (2003) Effects of classroom assessment on student motivation in fifth-grade science. The Journal of Educational Research, 96(3), 152–162.10.1080/00220670309598803
    https://doi.org/10.1080/00220670309598803 [Google Scholar]
  63. Stiggins, R.
    (2002) Assessment crisis: The absence of assessment for learning, Phi Delta Kappan, 83(10), 758–765.10.1177/003172170208301010
    https://doi.org/10.1177/003172170208301010 [Google Scholar]
  64. Wang, W. C. , & Cunningham, E. G.
    (2005) Comparison of alternative estimation methods in confirmatory factor analyses of the general health questionnaire. Psychological Reports, 97, 3–10.10.2466/pr0.97.1.3‑10
    https://doi.org/10.2466/pr0.97.1.3-10 [Google Scholar]
  65. Watkins, D. , Dahlin, B. , & Ekholm, M.
    (2005) Awareness of the backwash effect of assessment: A phenomenographic study of the views of Hong Kong and Swedish lecturers. Instructional Science, 33(4), 283–309.10.1007/s11251‑005‑3002‑8
    https://doi.org/10.1007/s11251-005-3002-8 [Google Scholar]
  66. Webb, M. , & Jones, J.
    (2009) Exploring tensions in developing assessment for learning, Assessment in Education: Principles, Policy & Practice, 16(2), 165–184.10.1080/09695940903075925
    https://doi.org/10.1080/09695940903075925 [Google Scholar]
  67. Xu, Y.
    (2017) Assessment planning within the context of university English language teaching (ELT) in China. Australian Review of Applied Linguistics, 39(3), 233–254.10.1075/aral.39.3.02xu
    https://doi.org/10.1075/aral.39.3.02xu [Google Scholar]
  68. Xu, Y. & Brown, G. T. L.
    (2016) Teacher assessment literacy in practice: A reconceptualization. Teaching and Teacher Education, 58, 149–162.10.1016/j.tate.2016.05.010
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2016.05.010 [Google Scholar]
  69. Zhang, Z. , & Burry-Stock, J.
    (2003) Classroom assessment practices and teachers’ self-perceived assessment skills. Applied Measurement in Education, 16, 323–342.10.1207/S15324818AME1604_4
    https://doi.org/10.1207/S15324818AME1604_4 [Google Scholar]
/content/journals/10.1075/aral.17077.gan
Loading
/content/journals/10.1075/aral.17077.gan
Loading

Data & Media loading...

This is a required field
Please enter a valid email address
Approval was successful
Invalid data
An Error Occurred
Approval was partially successful, following selected items could not be processed due to error