Computer assisted language learning: Testing or teaching?

Abstract

Criticisms that language-teaching materials 'test, rather than teach', may be based on a misunderstanding of the role of testing in teaching. The article distinguishes between two types of testing-'exam' testing, the function of which is only to test, and the testing, or monitoring, that occurs continuously in every kind of classroom activity, and which is an intrinsic and necessary part of a successful language-learning strategy. It is suggested that computer assisted language learning programs of the question-answer variety, if well constructed, have more in common with this classroom-based testing than with that found in an examination room. The article goes on to describe the form that such a computer program might take, and makes comparisons between this and other forms of language practice. In conclusion, it is argued that computer 'tests' teach as well as test, and can handle much of the remedial teaching that would otherwise have to be done by the teacher in class. © 1983 Oxford University Press.