POSITIVE LANGUAGE PATTERNS

Positive Language Patterns

Positive Language Patterns

Introduction

Regular appraisal of language assessment mechanisms is crucial in ensuring that language fulfils its functions in contemporary society. Language assessment serves many purposes in society by enabling government to enforce its language policy; for example, the Nigerian government could make a credit pass in a Nigerian language a criterion for admission of candidates into institutions of higher learning in a bid to raise the status of local languages. Language assessment, as an aspect of language teaching programmes, is important in education and is a means of equipping the workforce for effective communication. In this regard, recent developments in Nigeria put the credibility of many examinations in question, as universities and organisations no longer rely solely on results from relevant examining bodies and educational institutions in making final decisions on admission or job appointment offers, respectively.

Language Testing And Language Learning

Language assessment enables a teacher to find out the competence level of learners and the learners to do self-evaluation. However, language assessment can be a motivator or a demotivator for language learning, depending on the learner and the learning situation. Badger and Wilkinson (1998) observe that language teaching and assessment are inextricably linked and work well together when teachers provide opportunities for learners to try out their literacy competence. Trevisan (2002) reports that various studies show that regular and sound classroom assessments have positive impact on student achievement and well-being, while poor assessment can be detrimental to learning. Moreover, Gipps (1994) cites sources that posit that test increases commitment to learning by making learners to attend to content a second time, encourages learners to actively process content, and directs attention to topics and skills being tested.

Features And Problems Of Language Assessment In Nigeria

In primary and secondary schools, summative assessment for promoting students from one grade level to another is composed of continuous assessment and exam scores. However, to transit from primary to secondary education, some states and a federal examination body conduct examinations for the placement of pupils in schools. In addition, each state conducts its own junior secondary school certificate examination, while NECO (National Examination Council) conducts similar examination for unity schools across the country. NECO and WAEC (West African Examination Council) administer separate senior secondary school certificate examinations (SSCE) at different times of the year, the results of which are acceptable alone or combined (and in conjunction with results of qualifying exams) for admission of students into institutions of higher learning. However, a state has opted out of NECO exams on the grounds that it is lowering standards (Allafrica.com 2008). Further, the Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB) is responsible for conducting qualifying exams into tertiary institutions, and the English language paper is compulsory.

Educational impact of language assessment in Nigeria

There is no doubt that language assessment has been useful in Nigeria's educational system and socio-economic environment. Employment and admission of applicants and candidates by organisations and institutions will surely be cumbersome without the efforts of examination ...