Praktikables und nachhaltiges Testen fremdsprachlicher Leistung

Abstract

This paper firstly analyses the quality criterion of “practicality” in developing language tests. In this context, Bachman and Palmer's (1996) classification of important resources for language testing is presented and examples of resources for each category are then discussed. In addition, the relationship between the quality criterion of “practicality” and the quality criterion of “economy” is examined. Finally, I analyse the factor of sustainability as an important aspect which should also play an important role in language testing. In this context, I propose that sustainability should be considered as a quality criterion of language tests. Subsequently, opportunities are presented to design sustainable and practicable formal and informal tests in order to save
resources and protect the environment. Finally, conclusions are drawn from these proposals.