European Language Testing in a Global Context

European Language Testing in a Global Context PDF Author: Michael Milanovic
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 0521535875
Category : Foreign Language Study
Languages : en
Pages : 284

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Book Description
The conference papers presented in ths volume represent a small subset of the many excellent presentations made at that event.

European Language Testing in a Global Context

European Language Testing in a Global Context PDF Author: Michael Milanovic
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 0521535875
Category : Foreign Language Study
Languages : en
Pages : 284

Get Book Here

Book Description
The conference papers presented in ths volume represent a small subset of the many excellent presentations made at that event.

Assessing English on the Global Stage

Assessing English on the Global Stage PDF Author: Cyril J. Weir
Publisher: Equinox Publishing (UK)
ISBN: 9781781794920
Category : English language
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
This book tells the story of the British Council's seventy-five year involvement in the field of English language testing. The first section of the book explores the role of the British Council in spreading British influence around the world through the export of British English language examinations and British expertise in language testing. Founded in 1934, the organisation formally entered the world of English language testing with the signing of an agreement with the University of Cambridge Local Examination Syndicate (UCLES) in 1941. This agreement, which was to last until 1993, saw the British Council provide substantial English as a Foreign Language (EFL) expertise and technical and financial assistance to help UCLES develop their suite of English language tests. Perhaps the high points of this phase were the British Council inspired Cambridge Diploma of English Studies introduced in the 1940s and the central role played by the British Council in the conceptualisation and development of the highly innovative English Language Testing Service (ELTS) in the 1970s, the precursor to the present day International English Language Testing System (IELTS). British Council support for the development of indigenous national English language tests around the world over the last thirty years further enhanced the promotion of English and the creation of soft power for Britain. In the early 1990s the focus of the British Council changed from test development to delivery of British examinations through its global network. However, by the early years of the 21st century, the organisation was actively considering a return to test development, a strategy that was realised with the founding of the Assessment Research Group in early 2012. This was followed later that year by the introduction of the Aptis English language testing service; the first major test developed in-house for over thirty years. As well as setting the stage for the re-emergence of professional expertise in language testing within the organisation, these initiatives have resulted in a growing strategic influence for the organisation on assessment in English language education. This influence derives from a commitment to test localisation, the development and provision of flexible, accessible and affordable tests and an efficient delivery, marking and reporting system underpinned by an innovative socio-cognitive approach to language testing. This final period can be seen as a clear return by the British Council to using language testing as a tool for enhancing soft power for Britain: a return to the original raison d'etre of the organisation.

Validation in Language Assessment

Validation in Language Assessment PDF Author: Antony John Kunnan
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 113649779X
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 294

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Book Description
Validation in Language Assessment contributes to the variety of validation approaches and analytical and interpretive techniques only recently adopted by language assessment researchers. Featuring selected papers from the 17th Language Testing Research Colloquium, the volume presents diverse approaches with an international perspective on validation in language assessment.

Applied Linguistics

Applied Linguistics PDF Author: Li Wei
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1405193581
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
Languages : en
Pages : 341

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Book Description
In this complete survey of the theories, methods, and key findings within applied linguistics, students are introduced to core research questions and the various approaches to tackling these. Provides a comprehensive introduction to this interdisciplinary field of research and practice, dealing with practical issues of language and communication Takes a problem-solving approach, introducing students to key research questions and guiding them through the various ways of tackling these Features additional study aids throughout, including chapter outlines, learning objectives, key terms, research questions and answers, study questions, and recommended further readings Enables students to identify every-day language and communication issues, and to draw on their own personal experiences Edited by a leading figure in the field, heading up an experienced and interdisciplinary team of contributors from the renowned department of applied linguistics at Birkbeck College, University of London – resulting in unique combination of knowledge, skills, and strength from scholars who teach and research together

English Language Assessment and the Chinese Learner

English Language Assessment and the Chinese Learner PDF Author: Liying Cheng
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1135213860
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 392

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Book Description
'This volume addresses a very timely and important topic, and provides both broad and in-depth coverage of a number of large-scale English tests in China, including Hong Kong and Taiwan, and about the Chinese learner.' – Lyle F. Bachman, From the Foreword Building on current theoretical and practical frameworks for English language assessment and testing, this book presents a comprehensive, up-to-date, relevant picture of English language assessment for students in China (Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan) and for Chinese learners of English around the world. Written by well-recognized international scholars in language testing, it covers: the history of tests and testing systems, issues and challenges, and current research in China both test-designers’ and test-users’ points of view on test development and test validation within a range of political, economical, social, and financial contexts in China theoretical/conceptual perspectives on the use of the English language assessment at different levels, including societal, university, and schools empirical research related specifically to test development, curricular innovation, and test validation Given the long history of objective testing and its extensive use in Chinese society, and considering the sheer number of students taking various tests in English in China and elsewhere, an understanding of the impact of English language testing is essential for anyone involved in testing and assessment issues in China and elsewhere in the world. This is a must-read volume for testing and assessment policy makers, curriculum designers, researchers, ESL/EFL materials writers, graduate students, and English language teachers/researchers at all levels.

Assessing Young Learners of English: Global and Local Perspectives

Assessing Young Learners of English: Global and Local Perspectives PDF Author: Marianne Nikolov
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3319224220
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 343

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Book Description
This volume documents international, national, and small-scale testing and assessment projects of English language education for young learners, across a range of educational contexts. It covers three main areas: age-appropriate ‘can do statements’ and task types for teaching and testing learners between the ages of 6 to 13; innovative approaches to self-assessment, diagnostic testing, self- perception, and computer-based testing; and findings on how young learners perform on vocabulary, listening, speaking, pronunciation, and reading comprehension tests in European and Asian contexts. Early language learning has become a major trend in English language education around the globe. As a result of the spread of teaching English to a growing number of young children, assessment of and for learning have emerged as key issues. In line with this development, there is a clear and emerging need to make early language programs accountable and to assess both the progress children make over time and to quantify their achievement at various stages of development. This volume informs stakeholders about the realistic goals of early language learning, their efficiency, and how much progress children make over time.

The Diagnosis of Reading in a Second or Foreign Language

The Diagnosis of Reading in a Second or Foreign Language PDF Author: J. Charles Alderson
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1135097178
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
Languages : en
Pages : 282

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Book Description
The Diagnosis of Reading in a Second or Foreign Language explores the implications of language assessment research on classroom-based assessment practices by providing an in-depth look at the little-examined field of diagnosis in second and foreign language reading. This volume examines the development of second and foreign language reading and how subsequent research findings, couched in this knowledge, can help facilitate a more-informed teaching approach in second and foreign language classrooms. By contextualizing the latest in classroom settings and presenting implications for future research in this developing area of linguistics, this book is an ideal resource for those studying and working in applied linguistics, second language acquisition, and language assessment and education. About the NPLA Series: Headed by two of its leading scholars, the series captures the burgeoning field of language assessment by offering comprehensive and state-of-the-art coverage of its contemporary questions, pressing issues, and technical advances. It is the only active series of its kind on the market, and will include volumes on basic and advanced topics in language assessment, public policy and language assessment, and the interfaces of language assessment with other disciplines in applied linguistics. Each text presents key theoretical approaches and research findings, along with concrete practical implications and suggestions for readers conducting their own research or developmental studies.

IELTS Collected Papers 2

IELTS Collected Papers 2 PDF Author: Lynda B. Taylor
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 1107602645
Category : Foreign Language Study
Languages : en
Pages : 601

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Book Description
This volume reports research that informs the development of reading and listening assessment in IELTS. This volume brings together a set of eight IELTS-related research studies - four on reading and four on listening - conducted between 2005 and 2010. Findings from these studies provide valuable evidence on the validity, reliability, impact and practicality of the IELTS test; they are also instrumental in highlighting aspects needing attention, and thus directly inform the continuing evolution of the IELTS reading and listening tests. The volume reviews and comments on the specific contribution of each study to the ongoing process of IELTS reading and listening test design and development.

Validating Second Language Reading Examinations

Validating Second Language Reading Examinations PDF Author: Rachel Yi-fen Wu
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 1107443946
Category : Foreign Language Study
Languages : en
Pages : 193

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Book Description
"Validating Second Language Reading Examinations describes the development of an empirical framework for test validation and comparison of reading tests at different proficiency levels through a critical evaluation of alignment with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). It focuses on contextual parameters, cognitive processing operations and test results and identifies parameters for the description of different levels of reading proficiency examinations. The volume explores procedures for linking tests to the CEFR and proposes both qualitative and quantitative methods that complement the procedures recommended in the Council of Europe's Relating Language Examinations to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR): A Manual, piloted in 2003 and revised 2009. Key features of the book include: - a detailed review of the literature on CEFR alignment, vertical scaling, test specifications and test comparability - a comprehensive and coherent approach to the validation of reading tests - an accessible and systematic description of procedures for collecting validity evidence based on a sound theoretical framework - a case study comparing different testing systems targeting the same CEFR level"--

Handbook of Research on Fostering Social Justice Through Intercultural and Multilingual Communication

Handbook of Research on Fostering Social Justice Through Intercultural and Multilingual Communication PDF Author: Meletiadou, Eleni
Publisher: IGI Global
ISBN: 1668450844
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 472

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Book Description
Students taught with a social justice framework will ideally have a stronger sense of what is just and fair and choose careers and lifestyles that support their communities. Over time, students look at current and historical events—even their own actions—through the lens of social justice, promoting better decision-making. Building trust impacts the bottom line for global companies, and multilingual communication is a core pillar for effective growth. It is essential to promote this trust through social justice and educate learners on intercultural and multilingual communication. The Handbook of Research on Fostering Social Justice Through Intercultural and Multilingual Communication explores innovative teaching, learning, and assessment practices that foster social justice and enhance intercultural and multilingual communication in primary, secondary, post-secondary, and higher education. It demonstrates the value of adopting a social justice lens in education by broadening and strengthening the evidence base of the impact that this can make for students, educators, and society as a whole. Covering topics such as game-based assessment, social adaptation, and plurilingual classroom citizenship, this premier reference source is an excellent resource for educators and administrators of both K-12 and higher education, librarians, pre-service teachers, teacher educators, government officials, educational managers, linguists, researchers, and academicians.