Computer-Based Testing in A Course of English for Specific Purposes

DVOŘÁKOVÁ, Daniela. Computer-Based Testing in A Course of English for Specific Purposes. In the SIG meeting on Writing Assessment and Assessment for Academic Purposes, prior to the 11th annual EALTA conference. 2014.

Basic information

• Original name: Computer-Based Testing in A Course of English for Specific Purposes
• Name (in English): Computer-Based Testing in A Course of English for Specific Purposes
• Authors: DVOŘÁKOVÁ, Daniela.
• Edition: the SIG meeting on Writing Assessment and Assessment for Academic Purposes, prior to the 11th annual EALTA conference, 2014.

Other information

• Type of outcome: Presentations at conferences
• Confidentiality degree: is not subject to a state or trade secret
• Keywords in English: computer-based testing, CEFR, English for specific purposes, knowledge, competence,

Abstract

This paper deals with the implications of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) for developing computer-based tests at B2 level designed for the course of English for specific purposes. The tests will contribute to the effort to standardize assessment of language competencies in specialised areas of a foreign language. The difference between knowledge and competence and the characteristics of English for specific purposes are highlighted in the introduction. The first part of the paper is aimed at the stages of test construction and the ways of selecting appropriate topics, contents and levels of difficulty, as well as task types and items. The second part presents an analysis of the test results. Questionnaires specifically designed for and completed by the students who took the tests are also included in this part. The analysis of the test results and questionnaires provides valuable information on the quality of the test items. In the last part of the paper the author considers the benefits and possible challenges of computer-based tests together with the lessons learned in the process of developing them.

Abstract (in English)

This paper deals with the implications of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) for developing computer-based tests at B2 level designed for the course of English for specific purposes. The tests will contribute to the effort to standardize assessment of language competencies in specialised areas of a foreign language. The difference between knowledge and competence and the characteristics of English for specific purposes are highlighted in the introduction. The first part of the paper is aimed at the stages of test construction and the ways of selecting appropriate topics, contents and levels of difficulty, as well as task types and items. The second part presents an analysis of the test results. Questionnaires specifically designed for and completed by the students who took the tests are also included in this part. The analysis of the test results and questionnaires provides valuable information on the quality of the test items. In the last part of the paper the author considers the benefits and possible challenges of computer-based tests together with the lessons learned in the process of developing them.