Integrated Language practice and Assessment

Lab 3 News Webs and Hot Potatoes

First of all, have an iBT Tour.

What have you learned from The TOEFL® Test Details?

Now let's develop integrated language learning and testing materials.

Step 1. Search a 300-500 word news article from one of the following news media.

• The New York Times
• USA Today Online
• CNN.com International
• MSNBC Headline News

Step 2. Read the article out loud with your partner and record it to your MP3, 4 or other digital devices.

• Suppose that you are experts or language teachers.
• Say what you are thinking and doing. For example, "I am using a(n) online dictionary/thesaurus/Wikipedia/Google (or other referenceware or search engines) to find out the word meanings/ideas." "I am clicking on (a button, icon, or links) on the webpage"
• Discuss the article with your partner. For example, "Are you saying...? "What did you mean by ...?"

Step 3. Post the following reated learning and testing materials on your blog.

• A news link
• 10-15 interesting or key words and their English definitions using an online dictionary (cite sources)
• 5-7 comprehension questions and answers
• A 5-sentence summary
• You and your partners' read/think aloud transcript
  

Step 4. Download Hot Potatoes software. Here is an instructional website (Chinese version).

Step 5. Make your tests using JCloze, JCross, JMatch, JMix, and JQuiz.

Step 6. Upload your files to your personal web space and BB.

Step 7. In groups, design an online test by integrating reading, writing, listening and speaking skills.

Step 8. Post links to your learning and test materials on your and instructor blog.