TESTING AND ASSESSMENT IN ELT - 2021/2

Module Overview

This module provides an introduction to the core concepts and approaches to testing and assessment in ELT. It covers a range of theoretical approaches to testing, while also focusing on the practicalities of constructing appropriate language tests for specific ELT contexts.

Module provider

School of Literature and Languages

Module Leader

GREEN James (Lit & Langs)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 7

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None.

Module content

Indicative content includes:

• History and development of testing in ELT


• The uses of tests


• Different approaches to testing


• The relationship between testing, teaching practice and syallbus design


• Test development and design


• Interpreting test scores


• Testing receptive skills


• Testing productive skills


• Testing vocabulary and grammar


• Classroom-based assessment and institutional testing


• Future directions in testing

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate

• a critical understanding of key principles relating to testing and assessment in ELT


• practical skills and knowledge needed for evaluating and producing a test or exam for a specific ELT context

 

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

• a 1500 word assignment critiquing an EFL test or exam


• a 2500 word assignment on either developing a test for a specific EFL context or a formal essay on a topic connected to the student’s interest in testing and assessment in EFL

 

 

Formative assessment

Classroom-based seminar tasks

Homework tasks

 

 

Feedback

 

Group and individual feedback on classroom-based tasks will be provided during the input sessions.

Individual feedback on the assessed work will be provided online via SurreyLearn.

Module aims

• Familiarise and give participants a better understanding of the fundamental concepts, issues and approaches to language testing and assessment in ELT
• Provide opportuinites to critically evaluate a range of tests and assessments
• Provide the opportunity to design a test suitable to the particpants interest or institutional context.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:

• Enable students to acquire in-depth knowledge of theoretical issues in second language teaching and learning through attendance at classes and an exploration of scholarly writing in the field;


• Enable students to deepen their knowledge of the linguistic structures, grammar and stylistic registers of English through attending classes, engaging in extensive reading and completing exercises and assignments;


• Encourage student participation and independent learning, through small group classes, reading outside contact hours and participating in seminars;


• Enable students to engage in analytical and evaluative thinking, to analyse and evaluate concepts, theories and practices associated with English language learning and teaching through attending classes, and engaging in independent study.


• Acquire in-depth knowledge of the principles underlying testing and assessment in English language teaching through attendance at classes and an exploration of scholarly writing in the field.

The learning and teaching methods include:

• Two contact hours per week over the semester;


• Classes will include lectures and seminars;


• Students are expected to engage in extensive reading of scholarly writing outside classes in order to follow lectures and participate in seminars.

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: ELAM013

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2021/2 academic year.