Abstract

MUNOZ MARIN, Jorge Hugo. Exploring Teachers’ Practices for Assessing Reading Comprehension Abilities in English as a Foreign Language. profile [online]. 2009, vol.11, n.2, pp.71-84. ISSN 1657-0790.

This paper reports the findings of an exploratory study that aimed at identifying the assessment practices that English teachers have in the reading comprehension program at Universidad de Antioquia. Data collection included documentary analysis and interviews of 15 teachers and of the head of the program. Findings suggest diverse practices in assessing reading comprehension, the use of quantitative instruments to evaluate qualitatively, students' lack of familiarity with qualitative assessment practices, teachers' lack of familiarity with alternative assessment and teachers' concern for verification of achievement of learning objectives. Conclusions highlight the need to expand the teachers' assessment repertoire through in-service programs designed for the specificity of teaching reading comprehension skills.

Keywords : Foreign language reading; reading abilities; reading comprehension; assessment criteria; teachers' assessment practices.

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