PASAA
Publication Date
2007-11-01
Abstract
Tests do not occur in a vacuum; they have farreaching and unanticipated consequences. Tests have an effect not only on traditional teaching practices in the classroom but also on the broader educational and societal contexts. Examples are the selection of candidates for education, the monitoring of the performance of schools, the distribution of funding and even societal issues such as the selection of employees and candidates for immigration, citizenship and asylum. Given the potential power of tests, it is essential to justify test use and investigate its consequences. The primary goal of this paper is to utilize Bachman's assessment use argument as a model for evaluating the appropriateness of test use. This paper begins with the issue of the importance of the justification of test use when validating a test. Next, Bachman's model is illustrated. Following that, Bachman's model is adopted to investigate whether it is appropriate to use the GEPT (General English Proficiency Test) as a graduation threshold in Taiwan. In order to do this, both the warrants for and rebuttals against using the assessment for this decision are discussed. This paper provides logical arguments for test user and also suggests what evidence needs to be collected to make an informed decision regarding establishing an English requirement as a graduation threshold. It is hiped that this paper will serve as an example of what needs to be taken into account when making the decision of test use in order to make the decision convincing and therefore beneficial to those affected.
DOI
10.58837/CHULA.PASAA.41.1.4
First Page
71
Last Page
92
Recommended Citation
Pan, YJ-Ching
(2007)
"Are They Making an Appropriate Decision? Implications from Bachman's Assessment Use Argument,"
PASAA: Vol. 41:
Iss.
1, Article 4.
DOI: 10.58837/CHULA.PASAA.41.1.4
Available at:
https://digital.car.chula.ac.th/pasaa/vol41/iss1/4