The Diagnosis of Reading in a Second or Foreign Language

The Diagnosis of Reading in a Second or Foreign Language explores the implications of language assessment research on classroom-based assessment practices by providing an in-depth look at the little-examined field of diagnosis in second and foreign language reading. This volume examines the development of second and foreign language reading and how subsequent research findings, couched in this knowledge, can help facilitate a more-informed teaching approach in second and foreign language classrooms. By contextualizing the latest in classroom settings and presenting implications for future research in this developing area of linguistics, this book is an ideal resource for those studying and working in applied linguistics, second language acquisition, and language assessment and education. About the NPLA Series: Headed by two of its leading scholars, the series captures the burgeoning field of language assessment by offering comprehensive and state-of-the-art coverage of its contemporary questions, pressing issues, and technical advances. It is the only active series of its kind on the market, and will include volumes on basic and advanced topics in language assessment, public policy and language assessment, and the interfaces of language assessment with other disciplines in applied linguistics. Each text presents key theoretical approaches and research findings, along with concrete practical implications and suggestions for readers conducting their own research or developmental studies.

J. Charles Alderson is Emeritus Professor of Linguistics and English Language Education at Lancaster University. Eeva-Leena Haapakangas is Research Assistant in the DIALUKI project at the Centre for Applied Language Studies at the University of Jyväskylä. Ari Huhta is Professor of Language Assessment at the Centre for Applied Language Studies, University of Jyväskylä. Lea Nieminen is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Centre for Applied Language Studies at the University of Jyväskylä. Riikka Ullakonoja is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Centre for Applied Language Studies at the University of Jyväskylä.

1. Introduction 2. Towards a theory of diagnosis 3.Research into the diagnosis of second and foreign language proficiency 4. The role of feedback in diagnosis 5.The construct of reading in a second or foreign language 6. How second and foreign language reading has been operationalised 7. The linguistic basis of reading in a second and foreign language 8. The cognitive basis of reading in a second and foreign language 9. The motivational basis of reading in a second and foreign language 10. Diagnosis from the perspective of the language classroom 11: Diagnosing second and foreign language reading: Bringing it all together 12. Implications for intervention and treatment Appendices: Diagnostic research instruments used in various studies