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1 BCE
Module LCE_513
Language Assessment and Testing 2018/19 Ιnstructor: Dr. Salomi Papadima-Sophocleous Student: Kasapis Constantinos -
1 CE
Introduction
Tests are for measuring student's second language ability, competence and performance. According to Allen Priscilla , University of Washington, ''Language testing is the practice and study of evaluating the proficiency of an individual in using a particular language effectively.'' Nowadays it might not be the only method of assessing but it is the passport for securing a place at a university, better career or job promotion. -
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First traits of assessment
Two thousand years ago the Chinese Imperial Exams began in Mandarin Language to select the best for government office. -
Introduction of assessment to Europe
Jesuits brought the Chinese notion of examinations to Europe -
Latin as second language
In Britain students were tested on their mastery of curriculum which included Latin. -
Baccalaureat
During French Revolution examination was modified to suit the needs of a strong central government. -
Standardized test
The first standardized test was introduced in the USA. -
CPE and UCLES
These exams tested the language performance of people from the British colonies who wished to enter the British education system -
First test
The first foreign language test was developed -
First multiple choice test
MCQ test was developed in the Kansas Test of Silent Reading; this marked the beginning of large scale testing in the USA. -
TOEFL
The Test of English as a Foreign Language - consisted of oral interviews, writing essays, vocabulary and grammar exercises- was introduced in the USA -
TOEIC
The Test of English for International Communication was introduced with aim to enhance English for business purposes. -
ELTS
The ELTS was initially intended for students who wanted to study particular disciplines such as Social Studies, Emphasis was placed on productive and receptive skills. -
ACTFL
The American Council of the Teaching of Foreign Languages Speaking Proficiency Guidelines. It is the only national organization dedicated to the improvement and expansion of the teaching and learning of all languages at all levels of instruction. -
IELTS
The IELTS is an international standardized test of English language proficiency for non-native English language speakers. There is only one module with two options - academic and general training -
CLB
The Canadian Language Benchmarks -
CEFR
The CEFR is the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. It is and international standard in measuring language ability. -
DIALANG
It is a free, downloadable language diagnosis system developed by many European higher education institutions and funded by the European Commission -
EALTA
European Association for Language Testing and Assessment -
The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority
They provide an approach for organising the curriculum in Australian schools, -
SurveyLang
SurveyLang brings together five of the world’s leading organisations in language assessment (Cambridge ESOL, CIEP, Goethe-Institute, Instituto Cervantes, Universidad de Salamanca, and CVCL Università per Stranieri di Perugia) to develop and deliver the Language Test instruments for the European Survey on Language Competences. -
CAMLA
Cambridge-Michigan Language Assessments: Cambridge ESOL Examinations and the U-M English Language Institute Testing -
Conclusion 2018
.Today, international examinations can be of value if they are designed to be used in a specific domain. We can see a fragmentation in the language testing industry and the improvement of local testing which results in emergence of national language testing organisations . As far as future concerned there is a possibility of further technology involvement. Will people be tested by computers? Only time will tell.
