The purpose of the present volume, then, is twofold; first to update teachers, researchers, policymakers/administrators, and others on what is involved in this complex issue of testing and its effects, and how such a phenomenon benefits teaching and learning, and second, to provide researchers with models of research studies on which future studies can be based. In order to address these two main purposes, the volume consists of two parts. Part I provides readers with an overall view of the complexity of washback, and the various contextual factors entangled within testing, teaching, and learning. Part II provides a collection of empirical washback studies carried out in many different parts of the world, which lead the readers further into the heart of the issue within each educational context.
Validity is an ominous word. The Oxford English Dictionary assigns it several meanings, deriving from Latin origins of 'powerful, effective': 'possessing legal authority or force', 'technically perfect or efficacious', as well as 'sound and to the point; against which no objections can fairly be brought'. These senses are all relevant to current uses of the term validity in language testing. But as the chapters in the present volume make clear, various practices, modes of argumentation, sources of information, and complex conceptual issues exist for establishing the validity of language testing instruments, procedures, and their uses in educational settings. Moreover, many valuable analytic approaches and theoretical considerations have only recently been explored, applying innovative measurement techniques, corresponding to the complex nature of language proficiency itself, and accounting for the diverse purposes for which languages are learned as well as settings in which languages are used.
"Show me a strong leader and I'll show you an effective communicator. In complex organizations the art of communications is of paramount importance for the individual in the organization and the organization's overall success. There never seems to be enough of the right kind of communication. This book offers a great deal to the person willing to listen, which is indeed one of the most important attributes of a good communicator."
This book is organized into twelve chapters, each of which deals with a major aspect of studying at university. Each chapter contains information, examples, quotations from students and tasks for readers to do. Answers to the tasks, where necessary, are included at the end of each chapter. We have also included a glossary at the beginning of each chapter to explain any words which may be unfamiliar, and a list of useful resources at the end of each chapter, which we hope will stimulate readers to go further in developing their studies.
Mission 2 is a motivating two-level coursebook with a challenging approach for students preparing for the First Certificate in English examination or any similar examination. The perfect combination of language development and extensive exam training.
Mission 2 consists of 7 units which contain authentic or semi-authentic reading texts combining stimulating content and cross-cultural topics.
