This
book Evaluation in Language Education is intended as an introductory volume in
the area. It attempts to concentrate on the aspects of evaluation of methods,
materials and media in the context of language and the aspects relating to performance
evaluation. The aim in producing this volume is to provide the basis and necessary
tools required for evaluation of language from different angles.
For any organisation engaged in multifarious activities related to language like
the production of instructional material, grammars, phonetic readers, common and
recall vocabularies, the basic language related research aiming at the analysis
of unwritten languages, applied linguistic research aiming at the analysis of
unwritten languages, applied linguistic research like the sociolinuistic surveys,
language teaching, literacy programmes, it is necessary to have a mechanism of
continuous feedback about the effectiveness and suitability of the programmes,
processes and products. Hence the need for the tools and instruments intended
to provide such feedback. For this purpose, it is essential to undertake the 'evaluation
measures' or the 'accountability measures' right from the take off of a programme
till its completion. This implies the evaluation or assessment of methods, materials
and media on the other. In addition to the assessment of the suitability and appropriateness
of different programme at revise and modify the schemes at different steps in
order to make them more meaningful, effective and successful.
Keeping these factors in view and the urgency for the evaluation tools, this book
has been produced as a first step in the line.The author is particular about putting
on record the constant encouragement and guidance extended by Dr. D. P. Pattanayak,
Director, Central Institute of Indian Languages, but for which perhaps the work
could not have been completed. Needless to say that the author is thankful to
all those colleagues who have patiently listened to and read the first draft of
this volume and gave their valuable suggestions, comments and criticism which
helped in the improvement of this book. Special thanks are due to Dr. Jacob Tharu,
Head, Department of Evaluation, Central Institute of English and Foreign Languages,
Hyderabad, who has very patiently gone and through the manuscript and given valuable
suggestions.
Particular mention needs to be made of the two colleagues in the administrative
wing of the Southern Regional Language Centre. The author gratefully acknowledges
the constant help rendered by Sri Rajkumar Sudershan who has spared no pains in
taking down the dictation beyond office hours and provided the author with the
draft. Sincere thanks are also due to Sri Kale Gowda and Sri V. Gopal who have
kindly typed the volume very neatly. Needless to mention that many more colleagues
of the author rendered help from various angles which helped him in completing
this book meeting the deadline. Though all the names of such colleagues cannot
be mentioned for want of space, the author puts on record his grateful thanks
to all of them. It is hoped that the present volume would be found useful by all
those who are involved in language related work. Comments, criticism and suggestions
are welcome for the improvement of this book.
Finally I am grateful to Shri. H. L. N. Bharati, Publications-in charge of CIIL,
for supervising the producting of this book and to Shri V. B. Satyan, Proprietor
of M/s Kapila Power Press, Nanjangud, for Prompt and neat printin
K.
V. V. L. Narasimharao