Description
This module explores fundamental considerations and current trends in language testing and assessment. It is designed for all students who are interested in understanding and being able to critically evaluate the design, use (and misuse) of language tests and assessments and/or to apply these principles to construct their own instruments (e.g., for classroom teaching or research purposes). Assessments, including tests, which are the most common and high-profile type of assessment, are essentially information gathering tools designed to gain insight into what students/test-takers know and whether and how they are able to apply their knowledge. Language ability cannot be directly observed, so different measures are often used and different performance samples sought. The resulting information, often in the form of a test score, can then be used to make inferences about learners 'test-takers' underlying language ability and how they are likely to perform in real-world contexts. Sometimes, this information is used to inform consequential decision-making that can have repercussions for individuals, institutions, and/or societies.
Please note that a background in statistics is not required for this module. All discussions about statistics in language testing are incidental to other topics rather than a focus of the module.
Module deliveries for 2024/25 academic year
Last updated
This module description was last updated on 19th August 2024.
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