The Dhoch3 module n° 11 about the "Assessment von language competences in German as a Foreign Language"

Contents, key concepts and considerations of usefulness and effectiveness

Abstract

Although the assessment of language competence is ubiquitous in practice, the ability to understand, design, and make use of assessments is hardly ever taught systematically in teacher education and professional development. To address this gap, the Dhoch3 module “Assessing Language Competence in German as a Foreign Language” was developed. Its aim is to enable participants to engage with core terms, concepts, and methods of assessment and make them applicable in local teaching contexts.

Like all Dhoch3 modules, it faces the challenge of providing materials that are relevant across diverse institutional settings and curricular contexts, while at the same time connecting to users’ prior knowledge and interests.

Our contribution introduces the main contents of Module 11 and explains the key concepts that guided its development, namely (Language) Assessment Literacy and Local Language Testing. In addition, it discusses possible obstacles and enabling conditions for the usefulness and effectiveness of this and other modules.