Language Education Testing and Washback

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Questions and Answers

What is a primary focus of Section One in the book?

The psychological aspects of language learning

Comparative analysis of global language testing standards

The impact of technology on language assessment

Ethical considerations and current concerns in language testing (correct)

Which research method is highlighted in Section Two for language test development?

Ethnographic study techniques

Computer-assisted evaluation methods

Qualitative research methods (correct)

Quantitative research methods only

What aspect does the validation of questionnaires in Section Two aim to explore?

The influence of teaching methods on test outcomes

The effectiveness of multiple-choice testing formats

The reliability of automated scoring systems

The interaction of test-taker characteristics and L2 performance (correct)

The development of which assessment tool is discussed in Section Two?

Self-assessment tools Signup and view all the answers

Which topic related to oral test performance is mentioned in Section Two?

Modeling factors affecting oral test performance Signup and view all the answers

Which country is associated with the development of new certifications for evaluating language competence?

France Signup and view all the answers

Who conducted research on assessing young learners and what makes a good test?

Juliet Wilson Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of the research conducted by Sauli Takala and others?

Development of Finnish scales of language proficiency Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following pairs is correctly matched with their focus area?

Reidun Oanaes Andersen - Norwegian language tests Signup and view all the answers

Which institute is associated with the development of language proficiency tests for schools?

Bar Ilan University Signup and view all the answers

Who is involved in the testing of Luxembourgish as a foreign language?

Guy Bentner & Ines Quaring Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary focus of the research at the University of Ljubljana?

Communicative language ability in Slovene as a second language Signup and view all the answers

What is the workplace-related language test developed for?

German as a foreign language Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary issue with the communication between testing specialists and teachers?

Testing specialists often speak in overly technical terms. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant advantage of Internet-based tests over diskette- and CD-ROM-based tests?

They can be easily updated without physical distribution. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following concepts was explored in relation to testing's effect on teaching?

Washback Signup and view all the answers

How can test security be enhanced with Internet-based testing?

By randomly accessing items in a large database. Signup and view all the answers

What was the initial belief regarding the relationship between test changes and teaching?

Positive washback is guaranteed with good tests. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key benefit of immediate feedback in Internet-based testing?

It helps learners understand their performance right after submitting answers. Signup and view all the answers

What was the surprising finding of the washback research conducted in Sri Lanka?

Tests influenced teaching content but not teaching methodology. Signup and view all the answers

What action did the researchers take after realizing the complexity of washback?

They began to critically analyze and problematize the concept. Signup and view all the answers

In what way can users benefit from attempts after receiving feedback?

Users can potentially improve their scores based on feedback. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects the concern of distinguishing ability through testing?

The second performance is a better indication of learned ability. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'washback' refer to in the context of educational testing?

The influence of tests on teaching practices and content. Signup and view all the answers

What has characterized the recent developments in communication between testing and education specialists?

Enhanced understanding of testing's relevance to life. Signup and view all the answers

What is a drawback of traditional paper-and-pencil tests compared to Internet-based tests?

They can take months for results to be processed. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of piloting tests alongside live test items in Internet-based assessments?

To gather a sufficient number of responses for calibration. Signup and view all the answers

What was found lacking in the literature regarding washback?

Considerable empirical evidence supporting assumptions. Signup and view all the answers

Why are Internet-based tests considered more flexible than traditional tests?

They can be accessed by anyone with Internet access without the need for materials. Signup and view all the answers

What is perceived as the most useful aspect of the Common European Framework?

Various scales for assessing language proficiency Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is identified as a gap in research related to language testing?

Published studies on the Royal Society of Arts’ Test of the Communicative Use of English Signup and view all the answers

What limitation did Sari Luoma's PhD study encounter?

Lack of published studies on test development issues Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the suggested future directions for language testing?

More published accounts from test developers Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant issue identified related to published studies on language tests?

Lack of transparency and discussion of development challenges Signup and view all the answers

Which test is specifically mentioned as an exception in published studies related to language testing?

IELTS Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of testers engaged in studies related to the Common European Framework?

Exploration of empirical value and validity of models Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of testing has received less attention according to the discussion?

Empirical studies on the relation of newer tests to traditional ones Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Testing in the Field of Language Education

Testing in language education has progressed beyond technical procedures and obscure discussions about analytic methods like IRT, MDS, SEM, and DIF. While these concepts are significant, they require better communication to a wider audience beyond researchers.
Increased communication between testing specialists and language education stakeholders has led to a better understanding of the relationship between language testing and people's lives.
While recent developments in testing have been positive, many of the issues have been discussed before. More critical analysis and empirical research are necessary to further progress.

Washback: A Re-Examination

The concept of washback, where tests influence teaching, has been re-examined.
While it is accepted that tests affect teaching, the nature and extent of this influence are more complex than previously thought.
Researchers are now focusing on empirical evidence to understand washback more comprehensively.

Advantages of Internet-based Testing

Internet-based testing offers increased flexibility, allowing for tests to be taken by anyone with internet access.
Tests can be updated and improved continuously thanks to access to larger item databases.
Internet-based testing allows for immediate feedback to learners, enhancing the learning process compared to delayed feedback in traditional paper-and-pencil tests.
This immediate feedback can also allow learners to reattempt items, providing a better measure of their current ability.

The Role of the Common European Framework

The Common European Framework is widely viewed as a valuable tool for characterising, operationalising, and measuring language proficiency.
However, more empirical research is needed to explore the validity and practical value of the framework across different contexts.

Gaps in Research and Future Directions

There is a lack of published studies on innovative tests like the Royal Society of Arts’ Test of the Communicative Use of English as a Foreign Language (CUEFL).
More transparency in test development is needed by exam boards, publishing information about their processes and challenges.
Future research should focus on detailed accounts of test development, including the identification, operationalisation, testing, and revision of language constructs.

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Description

Explore the evolution of testing in language education and its broader implications. This quiz delves into the complexities of washback and the impact of testing on teaching practices. Engage with recent developments and the need for empirical evidence in this critical field.