General Information
This subject introduces you to language assessment and evaluation. You will learn principal concepts of language assessment including validity, reliability, authenticity and practicality. The subject examines various types of assessment, such as formal and informal, and summative and formative. You will explore various assessment types and techniques addressing specific language skills and learner factors. The subject will also give you an opportunity to apply principles of assessment and different evaluation models to developing effective language tests for various educational contexts.
-
Details
Academic unit: Faculty of Society & Design Subject code: LING71-109 Subject title: Language Assessment Subject level: Postgraduate Semester/Year: January 2023 Credit points: 10.000 -
Delivery & attendance
Timetable: https://bond.edu.au/timetable Delivery mode: Online Workload items: - Forum: x12 (Total hours: 24) - Weekly Forum
- Tutorial: x12 (Total hours: 12) - Weekly Tutorial
- Personal Study Hours: x12 (Total hours: 84) - Recommended study hours
Attendance and learning activities: As successful completion of this subject is heavily dependent on participation during all scheduled sessions, attendance will be monitored. Most sessions build on the content of the previous one. It is difficult for a student to recover the information if a session is missed. It is the responsibility of the student to view the recordings of the weekly live sessions in order to catch up on any content missed and to complete set work outside class. In addition to synchronous sessions, students should plan to spend a minimum of 84 hours undertaking preparation/out of class work/personal study for this subject. This is intended as a general guide only for workload planning and more time may be required depending on different factors such as the familiarity of the content. Please note: If you study on-campus, always bring your laptop to class. If you study online, always choose a private quiet place, with reliable internet and working microphone and camera, as you will be required to use them regularly. -
Resources
Prescribed resources: Books
- H. Douglas Brown, Priyanvada Abeywickrama (2018). Language Assessment. 3rd, Pearson Longman 386
Others
- Glenn Fulcher (2010). Practical Language Testing. London Hodder Education Available at: http://www.hoddereducation.com
- Dan Douglas (2014). Understanding Language Testing. Oxon, OX Hodder Education
- Bachman, L., F., & Palmer, A., S. (2013). Language Testing in Practice. Oxford Oxford University Press
iLearn@Bond & Email: iLearn@Bond is the online learning environment at Bond University and is used to provide access to subject materials, lecture recordings and detailed subject information regarding the subject curriculum, assessment and timing. Both iLearn and the Student Email facility are used to provide important subject notifications. Additionally, official correspondence from the University will be forwarded to students’ Bond email account and must be monitored by the student. To access these services, log on to the Student Portal from the Bond University website as www.bond.edu.au
| Academic unit: | Faculty of Society & Design |
|---|---|
| Subject code: | LING71-109 |
| Subject title: | Language Assessment |
| Subject level: | Postgraduate |
| Semester/Year: | January 2023 |
| Credit points: | 10.000 |
| Timetable: | https://bond.edu.au/timetable |
|---|---|
| Delivery mode: | Online |
| Workload items: |
|
| Attendance and learning activities: | As successful completion of this subject is heavily dependent on participation during all scheduled sessions, attendance will be monitored. Most sessions build on the content of the previous one. It is difficult for a student to recover the information if a session is missed. It is the responsibility of the student to view the recordings of the weekly live sessions in order to catch up on any content missed and to complete set work outside class. In addition to synchronous sessions, students should plan to spend a minimum of 84 hours undertaking preparation/out of class work/personal study for this subject. This is intended as a general guide only for workload planning and more time may be required depending on different factors such as the familiarity of the content. Please note: If you study on-campus, always bring your laptop to class. If you study online, always choose a private quiet place, with reliable internet and working microphone and camera, as you will be required to use them regularly. |
| Prescribed resources: | Books
Others
|
|---|---|
| iLearn@Bond & Email: | iLearn@Bond is the online learning environment at Bond University and is used to provide access to subject materials, lecture recordings and detailed subject information regarding the subject curriculum, assessment and timing. Both iLearn and the Student Email facility are used to provide important subject notifications. Additionally, official correspondence from the University will be forwarded to students’ Bond email account and must be monitored by the student. To access these services, log on to the Student Portal from the Bond University website as www.bond.edu.au |
Enrolment requirements
| Requisites: |
Nil |
|---|---|
| Assumed knowledge: |
Assumed knowledge is the minimum level of knowledge of a subject area that students are assumed to have acquired through previous study. It is the responsibility of students to ensure they meet the assumed knowledge expectations of the subject. Students who do not possess this prior knowledge are strongly recommended against enrolling and do so at their own risk. No concessions will be made for students’ lack of prior knowledge.
|
| Restrictions: |
Nil |
Assurance of learning
Assurance of Learning means that universities take responsibility for creating, monitoring and updating curriculum, teaching and assessment so that students graduate with the knowledge, skills and attributes they need for employability and/or further study.
At Bond University, we carefully develop subject and program outcomes to ensure that student learning in each subject contributes to the whole student experience. Students are encouraged to carefully read and consider subject and program outcomes as combined elements.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
Program Learning Outcomes provide a broad and measurable set of standards that incorporate a range of knowledge and skills that will be achieved on completion of the program. If you are undertaking this subject as part of a degree program, you should refer to the relevant degree program outcomes and graduate attributes as they relate to this subject.
Subject Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
On successful completion of this subject the learner will be able to:
- Identify, synthesise, interpret and communicate complex issues in language assessment.
- Independently and in teams, demonstrate expert cognitive skills to solve complex problems in language assessment.
- Apply gained knowledge and skills in language assessment to new professional contexts, demonstrating expert judgement, adaptability, and responsibility as a language educator.
Generative Artificial Intelligence in Assessment
The University acknowledges that Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen-AI) tools are an important facet of contemporary life. Their use in assessment is considered in line with students’ development of the skills and knowledge which demonstrate learning outcomes and underpin study and career success. Instructions on the use of Gen-AI are given for each assessment task; it is your responsibility to adhere to these instructions.
-
Assessment details
Type Task % Timing* Outcomes assessed Presentation Project Part 1: 15-minute Seminar presentation: Developing an assessment system for a specific educational context that is approved by week 3. 40.00% Week 5 1,2,3 Portfolio Project Part 2: Final Report: Developing a language assessment system for a specific educational context presented in Part 1. 60.00% Week 10 1,2,3 - * Assessment timing is indicative of the week that the assessment is due or begins (where conducted over multiple weeks), and is based on the standard University academic calendar
- C = Students must reach a level of competency to successfully complete this assessment.
-
Assessment criteria
Assessment criteria
High Distinction 85-100 Outstanding or exemplary performance in the following areas: interpretative ability; intellectual initiative in response to questions; mastery of the skills required by the subject, general levels of knowledge and analytic ability or clear thinking. Distinction 75-84 Usually awarded to students whose performance goes well beyond the minimum requirements set for tasks required in assessment, and who perform well in most of the above areas. Credit 65-74 Usually awarded to students whose performance is considered to go beyond the minimum requirements for work set for assessment. Assessable work is typically characterised by a strong performance in some of the capacities listed above. Pass 50-64 Usually awarded to students whose performance meets the requirements set for work provided for assessment. Fail 0-49 Usually awarded to students whose performance is not considered to meet the minimum requirements set for particular tasks. The fail grade may be a result of insufficient preparation, of inattention to assignment guidelines or lack of academic ability. A frequent cause of failure is lack of attention to subject or assignment guidelines. Quality assurance
For the purposes of quality assurance, Bond University conducts an evaluation process to measure and document student assessment as evidence of the extent to which program and subject learning outcomes are achieved. Some examples of student work will be retained for potential research and quality auditing purposes only. Any student work used will be treated confidentially and no student grades will be affected.
| Type | Task | % | Timing* | Outcomes assessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presentation | Project Part 1: 15-minute Seminar presentation: Developing an assessment system for a specific educational context that is approved by week 3. | 40.00% | Week 5 | 1,2,3 |
| Portfolio | Project Part 2: Final Report: Developing a language assessment system for a specific educational context presented in Part 1. | 60.00% | Week 10 | 1,2,3 |
- * Assessment timing is indicative of the week that the assessment is due or begins (where conducted over multiple weeks), and is based on the standard University academic calendar
- C = Students must reach a level of competency to successfully complete this assessment.
Assessment criteria
| High Distinction | 85-100 | Outstanding or exemplary performance in the following areas: interpretative ability; intellectual initiative in response to questions; mastery of the skills required by the subject, general levels of knowledge and analytic ability or clear thinking. |
|---|---|---|
| Distinction | 75-84 | Usually awarded to students whose performance goes well beyond the minimum requirements set for tasks required in assessment, and who perform well in most of the above areas. |
| Credit | 65-74 | Usually awarded to students whose performance is considered to go beyond the minimum requirements for work set for assessment. Assessable work is typically characterised by a strong performance in some of the capacities listed above. |
| Pass | 50-64 | Usually awarded to students whose performance meets the requirements set for work provided for assessment. |
| Fail | 0-49 | Usually awarded to students whose performance is not considered to meet the minimum requirements set for particular tasks. The fail grade may be a result of insufficient preparation, of inattention to assignment guidelines or lack of academic ability. A frequent cause of failure is lack of attention to subject or assignment guidelines. |
Quality assurance
For the purposes of quality assurance, Bond University conducts an evaluation process to measure and document student assessment as evidence of the extent to which program and subject learning outcomes are achieved. Some examples of student work will be retained for potential research and quality auditing purposes only. Any student work used will be treated confidentially and no student grades will be affected.
Study Information
Submission procedures
Students must check the iLearn@Bond subject site for detailed assessment information and submission procedures.
Policy on late submission and extensions
A student who has not established a basis for an extension in compliance with University and Faculty policy either by 1) not applying before the assessment due date or 2) by having an application rejected due to failure to show a justifiable cause for an extension, will receive a penalty on assessment submitted after its due date. The penalty will be 10% of marks awarded to that assessment for every day late, with the first day counted after the required submission time has passed. No assessment will be accepted for consideration seven calendar days after the due date. Where a student has been granted an extension, the late penalty starts from the new due date and time set out in the extension.
Academic Integrity
University’s Academic Integrity Policy defines plagiarism as the act of misrepresenting as one’s own original work: another’s ideas, interpretations, words, or creative works; and/or one’s own previous ideas, interpretations, words, or creative work without acknowledging that it was used previously (i.e., self-plagiarism). The University considers the act of plagiarising to be a breach of the Student Conduct Code and, therefore, subject to the Discipline Regulations which provide for a range of penalties including the reduction of marks or grades, fines and suspension from the University.
Bond University utilises Originality Reporting software to inform academic integrity.Feedback on assessment
Feedback on assessment will be provided to students within two weeks of the assessment submission due date, as per the Assessment Policy.
Accessibility and Inclusion Support
If you have a disability, illness, injury or health condition that impacts your capacity to complete studies, exams or assessment tasks, it is important you let us know your special requirements, early in the semester. Students will need to make an application for support and submit it with recent, comprehensive documentation at an appointment with a Disability Officer. Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Office at the earliest possible time, to meet staff and learn about the services available to meet your specific needs. Please note that late notification or failure to disclose your disability can be to your disadvantage as the University cannot guarantee support under such circumstances.
Additional subject information
Subject curriculum
-
Concepts and issues in language assessment and test types
Types and purposes of assessment and testing.
SLOs included
- Identify, synthesise, interpret and communicate complex issues in language assessment.
- Independently and in teams, demonstrate expert cognitive skills to solve complex problems in language assessment.
- Apply gained knowledge and skills in language assessment to new professional contexts, demonstrating expert judgement, adaptability, and responsibility as a language educator.
-
Principles of language assessment
Key principles in language assessment.
SLOs included
- Identify, synthesise, interpret and communicate complex issues in language assessment.
- Independently and in teams, demonstrate expert cognitive skills to solve complex problems in language assessment.
- Apply gained knowledge and skills in language assessment to new professional contexts, demonstrating expert judgement, adaptability, and responsibility as a language educator.
-
Designing classroom language tests: Standards-Based Assessment
Stages of test design.
SLOs included
- Identify, synthesise, interpret and communicate complex issues in language assessment.
- Independently and in teams, demonstrate expert cognitive skills to solve complex problems in language assessment.
- Apply gained knowledge and skills in language assessment to new professional contexts, demonstrating expert judgement, adaptability, and responsibility as a language educator.
-
Standardised Testing
Advantages and disadvantages of standardised tests.
SLOs included
- Identify, synthesise, interpret and communicate complex issues in language assessment.
- Independently and in teams, demonstrate expert cognitive skills to solve complex problems in language assessment.
- Apply gained knowledge and skills in language assessment to new professional contexts, demonstrating expert judgement, adaptability, and responsibility as a language educator.
-
Alternatives in assessment
Alternatives in assessment: rubrics, portfolios, journals and observations.
SLOs included
- Identify, synthesise, interpret and communicate complex issues in language assessment.
- Independently and in teams, demonstrate expert cognitive skills to solve complex problems in language assessment.
- Apply gained knowledge and skills in language assessment to new professional contexts, demonstrating expert judgement, adaptability, and responsibility as a language educator.
-
Assessing listening
Techniques for assessing listening skills.
SLOs included
- Identify, synthesise, interpret and communicate complex issues in language assessment.
- Independently and in teams, demonstrate expert cognitive skills to solve complex problems in language assessment.
- Apply gained knowledge and skills in language assessment to new professional contexts, demonstrating expert judgement, adaptability, and responsibility as a language educator.
-
Assessing speaking
Techniques for assessing speaking skills.
SLOs included
- Identify, synthesise, interpret and communicate complex issues in language assessment.
- Independently and in teams, demonstrate expert cognitive skills to solve complex problems in language assessment.
- Apply gained knowledge and skills in language assessment to new professional contexts, demonstrating expert judgement, adaptability, and responsibility as a language educator.
-
Assessing reading
Techniques for assessing reading skills.
SLOs included
- Identify, synthesise, interpret and communicate complex issues in language assessment.
- Independently and in teams, demonstrate expert cognitive skills to solve complex problems in language assessment.
- Apply gained knowledge and skills in language assessment to new professional contexts, demonstrating expert judgement, adaptability, and responsibility as a language educator.
-
Assessing writing
Techniques for assessing writing skills.
SLOs included
- Identify, synthesise, interpret and communicate complex issues in language assessment.
- Independently and in teams, demonstrate expert cognitive skills to solve complex problems in language assessment.
- Apply gained knowledge and skills in language assessment to new professional contexts, demonstrating expert judgement, adaptability, and responsibility as a language educator.
-
Assessing grammar and vocabulary
Techniques for assessing grammar and vocabulary.
SLOs included
- Identify, synthesise, interpret and communicate complex issues in language assessment.
- Independently and in teams, demonstrate expert cognitive skills to solve complex problems in language assessment.
- Apply gained knowledge and skills in language assessment to new professional contexts, demonstrating expert judgement, adaptability, and responsibility as a language educator.
-
Assessing young learners
Specific techniques for assessing young learners' language.
SLOs included
- Identify, synthesise, interpret and communicate complex issues in language assessment.
- Independently and in teams, demonstrate expert cognitive skills to solve complex problems in language assessment.
- Apply gained knowledge and skills in language assessment to new professional contexts, demonstrating expert judgement, adaptability, and responsibility as a language educator.
-
Grading and student evaluation
Grading scales and techniques for accurate scoring.
SLOs included
- Identify, synthesise, interpret and communicate complex issues in language assessment.
- Independently and in teams, demonstrate expert cognitive skills to solve complex problems in language assessment.
- Apply gained knowledge and skills in language assessment to new professional contexts, demonstrating expert judgement, adaptability, and responsibility as a language educator.