[etni] fw: listening comprehension

From: "Aviva Shapiro" - alshapirose@xxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: listening comprehension.

Hi all,
I see that a new poll is up about the listening comprehension. As one of the teachers wrote in the comment section, why even do such a poll as nobody is listening.

Well I happen to think someone is listening so it is a good idea to vote. All of us who have had to deal wtih the logistics of organizing the radios on the day of the test , the problems ( bad reception, power failures, proctors not knowing how to use the radio !!! etc..) will most likely vote for getting a pre-made tape.(Or CD) however I actually feel that this part of the test is the least valid anyway and should be done away with!!!

First of all it's the easiet to cheat on. (although maybe with versions back "in fashion" this might change) but also it's unrealistic. How often in real life will kids have to listen to a radio to obtain information. In our day and age , Today it's either computer /internet or TV and we all know it's much easier to understand what someone is saying when we watch and listen to him or her.

And my last point is that when we test the kids for the oral performance part with their projects aren't we also testing listening comprehension ?
I admit it's a lot less as they only have to understand questions but still they DO need to understand. It's listening and understanding in a real life situation which is really what we as teachers. want to achieve. isn"t it?

So I for one, vote to do away with the listening comprehension all together. Anybody agree with me?? I'm interested in hearing your take on the issue. (and I wonder if any other language tests in the world have a listening part of the test, does anyone know? )

Keep warm
Aviva

--------------------------------------------
Visit the ETNI site - http://www.etni.org
Send a message to the ETNI list: etni@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Send queries and questions to: ask@xxxxxxxx
--------------------------------------------

Other related posts: