LING2140
10 units
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.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.