Language Testing

COURSE OBJECTIVE
The aim of this course is to gain insights into the assessment of linguistic performances in second language learners and children with a
developmental language disorder. The focus of this course will be on the process of constructing language tests. This is a stepwise process during which theoretical and practical perspectives are discussed. Based on the construct of language proficiency, notions such as final attainment and proficiency levels, will be applied to (good) test items and finally, to a (good) language test. We will also focus on different purposes of assessment and the way how one can carry out some calculations related to the test’s reliability.

Academic competences:
* to develop good test items for language proficiency tests;
* to critically evaluate the quality of language tests (e.g. validity and reliabiliy);
* to give a presentation on a modern language test;
* to give a presentation on a subject related to the content of this course

COURSE CONTENT
Evaluating learning performances is a challenging and difficult task. Since we measure Language Proficiency, we need to know what this
construct is about, how it can be operationalized and how it can be measured. Based on the test results we can draw conclusions on both the reliability of the test and on the learner’s proficiency.

TEACHING METHODS
Seminars (2 x 2 hours per week).

TYPE OF ASSESSMENT
Two presentations and one take-home exam. The presentation about the test analysis must be awarded ‘complete’ and is the prerequisite for the take-home exam. The presentation about a subject related to the content of this course will be 20% of the final grade, while the take-home exam will be 80%. Both elements must be evaluated as sufficient.