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Unit outline_

EDPJ5026: Language Testing and Assessment

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit provides a broad overview of the major principles involved in second and foreign language testing and assessment. The focus of the unit is on both theoretical and practical issues in testing and assessment. The design of language tests and assessment appropriate to particular learning settings is addressed with reference to communicative language teaching and task-based methodology. Issues concerning the influence of testing on teaching and recent developments in research in testing and assessment will be considered.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Education
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Aek Phakiti, aek.phakiti@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Developing a Language Test or Assessment Task
n/a
40% Formal exam period
Due date: 13 Nov 2024 at 23:59
2500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
Online task Formative Assessment
n/a
20% Ongoing
Closing date: 17 Nov 2024
Equivalent to 1000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO2
Assignment Critical Review of Test Techniques or Assessment Tasks for Assessing a language skill
n/a
40% Week 07
Due date: 11 Sep 2024 at 23:59
2500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO2

Assessment summary

Formative assessment: 

  1. You will write two reflections (250 words each) on learning and experiences (10%). The first reflection is due on Week 4 and the second reflection on Week 10).
  2. You will complete 5 online quizzes on Canvas with at least a 70% success rate for each quiz (10%).

Assignment 1: Critical review of test techniques or assessment task for assessing a language skill: Choosing one of the English language skills (reading, listening, speaking, listening, grammar or vocabulary), you are to conduct a library study on language testing techniques or assesment tasks that have been proposed and used for the skill you choose. Critically review your findings and provide a reflection on your experience.

Assignment 2: Developing a language test or assessment task: You will develop an English test or assessment task for a group of students. You can decide the purpose of the test or assessment. You are advised to choose only one language skill (reading, listening, writing or speaking) or language component (grammar, vocabulary, pragmatics, pronunciation) for this assignment. The test or assessment needs to be substantive in terms of the skills to be assessed and techniques being used.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas and lectures.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction to Language Testing and Assessment Reading: Phakiti, A., & Leung, C. (2024). Chapter 1: Introduction to language assessment. Phakiti, A., Fernandez, J., & Steinhoff, A. (2021). Chapter 1: Why testing and assessment. Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 02 Purposes for Language Testing and Assessment Reading: Phakiti, A., & Leung, C. (2024). Chapter 2: Assessment. Green, A. (2020). Chapter 2: Purposes for Assessment Phakiti, A., Fernandez, J., & Steinhoff, A. (2021). Chapter 2: What to assess Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 03 Language Assessment Practice Reading: Phakiti, A., & Leung, C. (2024). Chapter 3: Essential concepts in assessment. Green, A. (2020). Chapter 3: The practice of language assessment Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 04 Classroom Assessment and Formative Feedback Reading: Phakiti, A., & Leung, C. (2024). Chapter 4 (Types of language assessment). Brown & Trace (2017). Fifteen ways to improve classroom assessment Duckor & Holmberg (2023). Chapter 1 (On the Role of Learning Goals, Tasks, and Cycles of Feedback for Continuous Improvement) Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 05 Practicality and Reliability Reading: Phakiti, A., & Leung, C. (2024). Chapter 7: Quality aspects in assessment. Phakiti, A., Fernandez, J., & Steinhoff, A. (2021). Chapter 3: Qualities in language assessment Green, A. (2020). Chapter 4: The qualities of effective assessment systems (pp. 58-75) Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 06 Validity and Fairness Reading: Phakiti, A., & Leung, C. (2024). Chapter 7: Quality aspects in assessment. Green, A. (2020). Chapter 4: The qualities of effective assessment systems (pp. 75-97) Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 07 Basic Analysis for Language Testing and Assessment Reading: Phakiti, A., Fernandez, J., & Steinhoff, A. (2021). Chapter 7: Basic test analysis Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 08 Designing Test and Assessment Specifications Reading: Phakiti, A., & Leung, C. (2024). Chapter 6: Summative assessment design: Types and processes. Phakiti, A., Fernandez, J., & Steinhoff, A. (2021). Chapter 6: Key stages in assessment design Fulcher, G. (2010). Chapter 5: Designing test specifications Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 09 Assessing Receptive Skills I Reading: Phakiti, A., Fernandez, J., & Steinhoff, A. (2021). Chapter 4: Assessing receptive language Green, A. (2020). Chapter 5: Assessing receptive skills (pp. 101-114) Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 10 Assessing Receptive Skills II Reading: Green, A. (2020). Chapter 5: Assessing receptive skills (pp. 114-132) Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 11 Assessing Productive and Interactive Skills I Reading: Phakiti, A., Fernandez, J., & Steinhoff, A. (2021). Chapter 5: Assessing productive language Green, A. (2020). Chapter 6: Assessing productive and interactional skills (pp. 133-148) Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 12 Assessing Productive and Interactive Skills II Reading: Green, A. (2020). Chapter 6: Assessing productive and interactional skills (pp. 149-174) Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 13 Revisions and Conclusions Reading: Phakiti, A., & Leung, C. (2024). Chapter 8 (Further developments). Phakiti, A., Fernandez, J., & Steinhoff, A. (2021). Chapter 8: After assessment Green, A. (2014). Chapter 7: Multiplication and division: Trends in language assessment Lecture and tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: The Sydney School of Education and Social Work requires attendance of at least 90 percent of all seminars, workshops or lectures. Where a student is unable to attend at the required rate evidence of illness or misadventure may be required and the student may be required to undertake extra work. Students should discuss the circumstances of their absence(s) with the co-ordinator of the unit of study. Further details are provided in the School canvas site: https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/13426

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Main Texts:

Green, A. (2020). Exploring language assessment and testing (2nd Ed.). Oxon: Routledge. (Access through the University of Sydney online library)

Phakiti, A., Fernandez, C., & Steinhoff, A. (2021). Language assessment: A practical approach. RELC. (Purchased the e-book at: https://www.sgbookshelf.com/product-page/language-assessment-a-practical-approach)

Phakiti, A., & Leung, C. (2024). Assessment for language teaching. Cambridge.

Other Readings:

Brown, J. D., & Trace, J. (2017). Fifteen ways to improve classroom assessment. In E. Hinkel (Ed.), Handbook of research in second language teaching and learning Volume III (pp. 490-505). Routledge.

Duckor, B., & Holmberg, C. L. (2023). Feedback for continuous improvement in the classroom: New perspectives, practices, and possibilities. Corwin Press.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. understand the relationship between language teaching and assessment
  • LO2. demonstrate a working knowledge of principles of language testing and assessment
  • LO3. apply principles and techniques for language testing and assessment.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

The Unit of Study Outline and teaching activities have been updated and improved based on student evaluation of the unit of study.

Site visit guidelines

If you are undertaking professional experience/field education placement as part of your enrolment in this unit of study, please assess your specific needs and requirements for the safe and successful completion of an external placement within a host organisation. You will be given the opportunity to disclose any health issues that have a work health and safety significance before arranging a placement so that your safety, and the safety of others, can be properly assessed. The Professional Experience Coordinator/Field Education Manager will work to ensure that the workplace assignment to you is appropriate for your needs and requirements. If you are experiencing disability, and require reasonable adjustments to be arranged, please contact Disability Services as early as possible prior to commencing the internship. Please note, in all cases, and for the purpose of organising reasonable adjustments, only the impact and not the nature, of your disability will be disclosed to the host organisation.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.