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Re: Conceptual tests

Hello Tina,

SO the question is Has there been any research into how non-native speakers of
english do on these >conceptual evaluation.

I am doing research using conceptual evaluation instruments for non-native
speakers of English (well, I am also a non-native speaker :-)). My
International Baccalaureate (IB) students have almost never complained about
the language; it is the physics which may be hard. Having said that I have to
add that IB students are usually quite talented and willing to do work. But the
bottom line is that being a non-native does not necessarily imply that one
should not use conceptual evaluation.

Your boss was worried if the tests are fair for non-native students. One could
argue that if results are used for diagnostic purposes rather than as a part of
the grading process there should not be such a worry. Surely a teacher is
entitled to find out if students have understood concepts or not.

Regards,

Antti Savinainen
Kuopion Lyseo High School/IB
Finland

homepage: <http://personal.inet.fi/tiede/physics>