M.E.A.T.

When I first saw these four terms, I had thought that they were of similar nature. This is probably because we are learning about language testing, so I deliberately placed them in one box. But when Dr. Lee said they differ from each other, I tried to look at the terms in a different way so I can make out the difference myself. 

Here’s what I got:

Measurement – it involves measuring something, so it might have something to do with numbers. Perhaps it is the marks the students get in their tests. But then, not every potential in a student can be measured, for instance confidence and leadership. “Alex, you got full marks in the leadership test. Thus, you will be the class monitor.” Never heard of such thing. Yet.

Evaluation – the word evaluate brings an overall-like meaning to me; the ultimate of something. In this case, language testing. So evaluation probably will bring all the qualities of a student after an overall test on a table, saying “this is your worth.”

Assessment – assessment sounds so prompt. It is like you’re deciding whether you want a chocolate cheese cake or a New York cheese cake for an evening tea; you’d consider the pros and cons of the two before picking.

Testing – this is a common word the person in charge of the technical in an event will use to test out the microphone. Come to think of it, a microphone is not so micro. Anyway, of course, testing means test. With paper, pencil (pen for the excruciatingly long essay writing), really specific seating and a time limit.

After the explanation, I found out that:

1. There is measurement and non-measurement where the former involves a certain value and the latter is more of an observation and it is rather informal.

2. Evaluation is a summary – it determines the significance and value to produce a certain judgement.

3. Any procedure to test students’ performance is an assessment. 

4. Test is an instrument to test students’ performance. Testing is the process – it consists of three stages: preparation, implementation, and evaluation.

Well, some of it is almost similar to what I previously had in mind, but I didn’t dare to say it in class because I was extremely unsure. Sorry! I’ll compensate it in this blog.