scholarly journals Using WebClass for Reduced Redundancy Testing

2021 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 33-43
Author(s):  
Wojciech Malec

This article examines and reviews two types of reduced redundancy tests, namely cloze tests and C-tests, which involve completing a text from which certain units (whole words or their parts) have been removed. Assessment instruments of this kind are typically used to measure overall language proficiency, for example for the purpose of making placement decisions. The paper also discusses the development of these two measures of reduced redundancy with the help of the WebClass testing system.

2013 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 884-899 ◽  
Author(s):  
PERI ILUZ-COHEN ◽  
SHARON ARMON-LOTEM

The relation between language proficiency and executive functions has been established for monolingual children. The present study addresses this issue in bilingual children, comparing the language proficiency of sequential English–Hebrew bilingual preschool children as determined by standardized assessment instruments and generic executive control in inhibition, sorting and shifting tasks. Participants were recruited from regular and language preschools and classified according to their language proficiency as bilinguals with high language proficiency in at least one of their languages (including balanced bilinguals with high language proficiency in both languages, L2-dominant, and L1-dominant) and bilinguals showing low language proficiency in both languages. As reported for monolingual preschool children, positive relationships between language proficiency and inhibition and shifting abilities were found, with significantly lower performance among low language proficiency bilinguals. Significantly better performance was also found for shifting among children who had already mastered their L2 compared to those who were still in the process of acquiring the new language.


1987 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paula Kezwer

There have been a number of studies done to try to explain the effects of out goingness versus reservedness on second language learning. The results of these studies have often been contradictory with some showing a clear correlation between extroversion and success in learning a second language, others failing to demonstrate that there is a positive correlation between out goingness and second language proficiency. This paper presents a survey of all the major studies dealing with the influence of extroversion on second language learning. It is argued that among the reasons for the discrepancies in research results are the wide variety and dubious validity of the personality assessment instruments used; the nature of the tasks used to determine second language proficiency; and the structure of classroom interaction. The implications of extroversion and introversion for classroom teaching are also considered.


2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 08-15
Author(s):  
Colin Michell

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) has become the worldwide benchmark for evaluating English language proficiency. However, the IELTS exam is not without its critics. It has been accused of being elitist and unaccommodating of test-takers who are not users of the prestige varieties of English, even though these people may need to take the exam for employment or immigration purposes. This study involved a focus group of experienced IELTS examiners who were given a number of listenings from non-standard yet still ‘native speakers’ of English to evaluate using the IELTS speaking bands. The focus group found that the IELTS speaking descriptors are not fit for purpose when dealing with non-standard or regional varieties of English. This study makes a case for the creators of the IELTS exam to adjust their grading criteria and examiner training to be more inclusive of all English varieties.


2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 160-171 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer J. MacDonald

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) standardized English language proficiency (ELP) exam is widely accepted proof of ELP at Canadian universities. The majority of Canadian universities set very similar IELTS cut scores for admission; however, these differ from the IELTS-recommended minimum cut scores. The use of the IELTS exam as an admission tool is not unproblematic, with debates around where to set cut scores, the interplay of political and administrative concerns in setting admissions criteria, and the correlation between cut scores and student academic success. As well, the issue of essential academic skills and literacies and their relationship to the exam, curricula, and student academic success figure in the broader discussion around the IELTS exam and its use in Canadian higher education. L’évaluation standardisée des compétences linguistiques en anglais (ELP) du Système international de tests de la langue anglaise (IELTS) est largement reconnue comme preuve de compétence en anglais dans les universités canadiennes. La majorité d’entre elles établissent des notes de passage IELTS très semblables pour l’admission, mais celles-ci diffèrent des notes de passage minimales recommandées par l’IELTS. L’utilisation de l’examen IELTS comme outil d’admission n’est pas sans problèmes en raison des débats dont font l’objet la hauteur des notes de passage, l’interaction des préoccupations politiques et administratives qui entrent en jeu lors de l’établissement des critères d’admission, et la corrélation qui existe entre les notes de passage et la réussite académique des étudiantes et étudiants. La question des compétences et littératies académiques essentielles et de leur relation avec les examens, les programmes d’études et la réussite académique des étudiantes et étudiants entre elle aussi en ligne de compte dans le débat plus large qui porte sur l’examen IELTS et son utilisation dans l’enseignement supérieur au Canada.


2021 ◽  
pp. 030573562098878
Author(s):  
Maud Hickey ◽  
Daniel Healy ◽  
Casey Schmidt

The purpose of this study was to determine how inter-rater reliability scores for iPad improvisations and clarinet improvisations would compare between two different creativity assessment measures—the Consensual Assessment Technique (CAT) and the Test of Ability to Improvise (TAI). In addition, we examined how the overall and subscore ratings for each measure related to each other. Improvisation files were collected from 43 students who had 2 to 3 years’ experience on the clarinet. Two independent panels of judges rated the improvisations using either the CAT or the TAI. Results showed no relationships between the composite or subscores of the two measures. Inter-rater reliability ratings were moderate, and slightly higher on the TAI than the CAT except for the subscore of creativity, where the CAT reliability scores were higher. Further research is needed to understand the more nuanced differences between these two measures, as well as to find a valid a reliable tool for the measurement of creativity and improvisation for school-aged children.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 942-947
Author(s):  
Tanzina Halim ◽  
Sayyed Rashid Ali Shah

This paper seeks to investigate the attitude of students towards attending IELTS (Reading) classes online. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a world-wide recognized test that students/ candidates have to take to assess their English language proficiency to study or work in an English- speaking context. They have to either take the IELTS Academic or the IELTS General Training modules. In recent times with the shift from face-to-face to online classes, the students face many challenges while attending online classes of IELTS, especially the reading module. This study aims to find out the problems which are faced by Saudi students while attending online classes. For this, 40 undergraduate students, both males and females of a public university in Saudi Arabia, were chosen as participants to carry out the study. A survey questionnaire was administered to the students who experienced challenges in online classes of IELTS. Based on the findings, the study concludes with some recommendations about how students can overcome the challenges they face while having online classes of the Reading module of IELTS.


2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 147-154
Author(s):  
Bernd Mönnigmann ◽  
Adelija Čulić-Viskota

This paper aims at pointing out the necessity of raising the levels of both communicative competence and Maritime English knowledge of seafarers, as well as of introducing a common language testing system into maritime education and training. It provides insight into the process of implementation of improvements in a different, but related practice of Aviation English and the relative regulations. Also, the paper presents the accounts of one aircraft accident, and two ship accidents due to the participants’ misunderstanding, or deficiency in English. This is followed by the results of an investigation into the reports published by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) about the sea accidents due to inadequate English language competence, or inadequate professional communication. Although there are commonly more than one cause which combine in each accident, these are usually fuelled by inadequate language competence. It is of utmost importance, especially in emergencies, that all the participants in the maritime venture are adequately competent in Maritime English to handle the emergencies to the benefit of all the persons involved. Therefore, the compulsory introduction of a uniform global language certification is suggested.


2010 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 125-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabrina Ahmed Chowdhury

As the name implies, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a test for ascertaining an examinee's English language proficiency. This test is very important for students who want to get admitted to universities or training programmes in English speaking countries. IELTS has four modules including a module on reading. This module gives rise to a number of specific problems for Bangladeshi candidates. The present article attempts to identify the nature and extent of these problems with emphasis on why the examinees find reading module a tough one. The ways and means used by the trainers and teachers to assist Bangladeshi students to overcome these problems have been examined. The article concludes that even with limited resources, the teachers and trainers can follow a number of simple procedures to substantially improve readings skills of students leading to better scores. Key words: IELTS, Language Proficiency, Language SkillsDOI: 10.3329/dujl.v2i3.4148 The Dhaka University Journal of Linguistics: Vol.2 No.3 February, 2009 Page: 125-140


2012 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 75-96
Author(s):  
Karmen Pižorn ◽  
Eli Moe

This article is a validation study of two national large-scale tests that measure the language proficiency of 11/12 year-old English learners in Norway and Slovenia. Following the example of Alderson and Banerjee (2008), the authors of the article have employed the EALTA guidelines for good practice to validate the tests, and to formulate major recommendationsfor improvement of both assessment instruments, where feasible (Alderson & Banerjee, 2008). The results of the validation study show that both national tests in English seem to fulfil most of the EALTA guidelines for good practice, although a few issues related to the testconstruct and test design procedures need to be re-assessed, and some changes may be required.


2009 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 21.1-21.11 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Read ◽  
Ute Knoch

As a result of investigations showing that communication problems can be a significant contributing factor to major aviation accidents, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has established a set of Language Proficiency Requirements. All pilots and air traffic controllers engaged in international aviation must be certified by their national civil aviation authorities as meeting the requirements by March 2011. This has created a demand for tests designed to assess the speaking and listening skills of aviation personnel, and language testers have become involved as developers and evaluators of the various assessment instruments. The present paper gives an overview of the issues and introduces the themes discussed by the other contributors to this special issue of the journal, covering both the linguistic nature of aviation communication and more practical considerations in test design.


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