Test Preparation in the Accountability Era: Toward a Learning‐Oriented Approach

Abstract

The article introduces a learning-oriented approach to test preparation that could help in easing the tension between learning and assessment. The first part of the article discusses the different concepts that are usually used in the context of test preparation. The second section reports on the literature pertaining to the effects of test preparation on teaching, learning, and test performance. The article also attempts to differentiate between appropriate and unhealthy practices and show the intricate differences between these concepts. In conclusion, the author suggests a number of guidelines for different stakeholders about how to conduct test preparation activities effectively and how to avoid the common pitfalls when carrying out this task. These guidelines focus specifically on how to develop and carry out test preparation activities that are learning-oriented, how to develop assessment tasks that discourage inappropriate test preparation practices, and how to use strategies for promoting professionally sound test preparation activities.

Teaching Test-Taking Strategies to EFL Student Readers with Different Language Proficiencies: An Empirical Reassessment

“…Specifically, the result that both the use of strategy by the TG and their reading test scores significantly increased confirms the positive association between the use of testtaking strategies and language test performance as reported by Huang (2016), Phakiti (2003), and Zhang et al (2014). This specific finding further strengthens Gebril's (2018) contention that test-taking strategies can effectively help language learners gain better scores in tests. More importantly, both levels of the TG statistically significantly improved their reading performance and outperformed their counterparts in the CG.…”

Construct validation of the revised Metacognitive Awareness of Reading Strategies Inventory (MARSI-R) and its relation to learning effort and reading achievement

“…Test-taking strategies can assist test takers with overcoming the challenges they face in test situations. Gebril (2018) noted that giving test takers appropriate test-taking strategies can enhance their test performance. Based on this distinction, this study will investigate the metacognitive strategies students use when taking a reading test at the B2 test.…”

Using social media platforms to prepare for examinations post Covid-19: The case of saudi university EFL learners

“…states that learning and study strategies are test preparation activities that affect test scores. It is her belief that test preparation activities intend to provide test-takers with information of a particular field in which they will be tested [ 24 ]. uses the term Test Preparation as “associated with activities inside and outside classes that help students be ready for exams.…”