Not currently offered
Course code

LING2140

Units

10 units

Level

2000 level

Course handbook

Description

This course focuses on current theories of Language Testing within contemporary Applied Linguistics, and provides students with essential knowledge and practical skills in relation to assessment of (second) language competence/proficiency. The course examines the main challenges of measuring language acquisition and introduces students to effective assessment methods, focusing particularly on English as a second/foreign language. The course provides students with training in designing, constructing, and administering language tests and related language assessment materials. Students learn how to assess the validity and reliability of language tests and how to analyse a test’s results in order to establish its capacity to accurately measure language skills.


Availability

Not currently offered.

This Course was last offered in Semester 1 - 2021.


Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course students will be able to:

1. Define central concepts and issues in language testing.

2. Discuss strategies and methods of measuring different levels of language proficiency.

3. Design effective tests/materials for assessment of language competence.

4. Administer a language assessment test/task.

5. Analyse and interpret the results of a language test with reference to its effectiveness.


Content

  • Language tests: basic issues (definitions, descriptions, typology, theoretical and methodological considerations).
  • Basic concepts of measurement theory in relation to language assessment.
  • Principles of designing a language test, including effective ways of testing reading, listening, writing and speaking skills, as well as vocabulary, grammatical competence  and comprehensive language ability.
  • Issues of validity and reliability of language tests.
  • Principles of language test administration.
  • Methods for analysing and interpreting test results.

Assumed knowledge

LING1111 Introduction to Linguistics 1

OR

LING1000 Foundations of Language (for BEdPrim students)


Assessment items

Written Assignment: Written assignment

Professional Task: Professional Task

Project: Project

Report: Report

Course outline

Course outline not yet available.