MAAL6014 Language testing and assessment
Lecturer
Dr. Michelle Raquel
Aims
The aims of this elective course are to:
- introduce participants to the fundamental principles of language testing and language test evaluation
- develop skills in the design, trialling, moderation and validation of testing instruments for a range of purposes including formative and summative assessments
Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)
Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
- describe and discuss a range of contexts, purposes and methods for language testing
- discuss and critique the appropriacy and usefulness of various tools, including GenAI, for language testing and assessment
- plan and critique test development process and administration
- report, reflect and consider the impact of assessment results on teaching and learning
Assessment
- Poster presentation (25%; individual)
- Portfolio (50%; group) & reflective essay (25%; individual)
GenAI Policy
Poster assessment: encouraged to use GenAI
Portfolio assessment: encouraged / required
Reflective essay: restrictive use of GenAI (only for polishing language and proofreading)
Core texts
Dimova, S, Yan, X., & Ginther, A. (2020). Local Language Testing Design, Implementation, and Development. Abingdon: Routledge
- Ebook available via: https://www.routledge.com/Local-Language-Testing-Design-Implementation-and-Development/Dimova-Yan-Ginther/p/book/9781138588493
Green, A. (2021). Exploring language assessment and testing. Abingdon: Routledge
- Ebook available via: https://www.routledge.com/Exploring-Language-Assessment-and-Testing-Language-in-Action/Green/p/book/9781138388789
Schedule
| Session | Session Topic and Description | Related CLOs |
| Session 1 | Course introduction Types of test & purposes of assessment Qualities of effective assessment systems |
1, 4 |
| Session 2 | Test specifications, test tasks, item writing Computer-based / online assessments Gen AI & language assessments |
1, 4 |
| Session 3 | Assessing speaking, writing, grammar and vocabulary, reading, and listening; integrated assessment | 2, 3 |
| Session 4 | ||
| Session 5 | Data analysis | 2, 3 |
| Session 6 | Formative assessment Assessment feedback literacy |
1, 4 |
* Each session is 3 hours
Sources of additional readings and bibliographic references
Alderson, J.C., Clapham, C. & Wall, D. (1995). Language test construction and evaluation. Cambridge. Cambridge University Press
Bachman, L.F. (1990). Fundamental Considerations in Language Testing. Oxford: Oxford University Press
Bachman, L.F. & Palmer, A.S. (1996). Language testing in practice: designing and developing useful language tests. Oxford. Oxford University Press
Berry, V. and Lewkowicz, J. (2000). Assessment in Chinese Contexts: Special Issue of the Hong Kong Journal of Applied Linguistics. The English Centre, The University of Hong Kong
Carr (2011). Designing and analyzing language tests. Oxford: OUP Oxford.
Fulcher, G. (2010). Practical language testing. London: Hodder Education.
Fulcher, G. and Davidson, F. (2007). Language Testing and Assessment. Abingdon: Routledge
Hughes, A. (2003). Testing for language teachers 2nd Edition. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
McNamara, T. (1996). Measuring Second Language Performance. Harlow: Pearson Education Limited
McNamara, T. (2000). Language Testing. Oxford: Oxford University Press
Weir, C.J. (2005). Language Testing and Validation. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan
Relevant Journals
Assessing Writing: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/10752935
International Journal of Language Testing: http://ijlt.ir/journal/
Language Assessment Quarterly: www.tandf.co.uk/journals/titles/15434303.asp
Language Testing: www.sage.com
Language Testing in Asia: http://link.springer.com/journal/40468
International/Regional Language Testing and Assessment Associations
Asian Association for Language Assessment www.aalawebsite.com
Association for Language Testing and Assessment of Australia and New Zealand www.altaanz.org
European Association for Language testing and Assessment www.ealta.eu.org
International Language Testing Association www.iltaonline.com
Web-based resources:
http://languagetesting.info/ is a one-stop site for references on testing specific language skills and using statistics. There are also short video clips of topics in language testing. It is maintained by Dr. Glenn Fulcher.
http://www.antonykunnan.com/ Personal website of Professor Antony John Kunnan. He has free chapters on assessment topics related his book.
http://taleproject.eu/index.php? Teachers’ Assessment Literacy Enhancement website. This is a free online module to develop teachers’ classroom assessment literacy.