Comparisons of the ETS National Teacher Examination Listening Model with Models Used in Two Standardized Listening Tests

This article examines the development, rationale, models and definitions employed in the ETS Nafional Teacher Examination (WE) Listening Segment. In addition, the model employed in the NTE are compared with those used in the development of two contemporary listening tests—The Kentucky Listening Test and the Watson-Barker Listening Test. The comparisons are presented in tabular form according to a battery of criteria suggested for the evaluation of listening measures by communication scholars. All three measures tend to focus on some similar aspects of listening behavior, but diferences are noted in a variety of areas. The results of the comparisons can help communication educators select a measure which closely parallels the approach to listening represented in the NTE, in order to better prepare their students to take the examination.