COURSE OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the course on Assessing Oral English Language Proficiency. This course is designed to provide educators with the necessary tools and knowledge to effectively assess oral language proficiency in English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS). By understanding and implementing best practices in oral language assessment, you will be better equipped to support your students' language development and ensure they achieve their learning goals.
We begin with an introduction to oral language proficiency, defining the term and highlighting its importance in language learning. Understanding the key components of oral proficiency, such as pronunciation, fluency, grammar, and vocabulary, is essential for comprehensive assessment. This foundation sets the stage for effective evaluation and support of language learners.
Next, we will explore the ELICOS context, providing an overview of ELICOS programs and the specific needs and demographics of ELICOS students. Understanding the standards and requirements of ELICOS is crucial for aligning assessments with institutional and regulatory expectations, ensuring that your assessment practices are both relevant and effective.
Theoretical foundations of language assessment are vital for informed practice. We will discuss key theories in language acquisition and the principles of language assessment, highlighting how these concepts impact learning and assessment outcomes. Understanding these foundations will help you design assessments that are pedagogically sound and supportive of student learning.
Designing oral proficiency assessments involves selecting appropriate types of assessments, aligning them with learning objectives, and creating valid and reliable assessment tools. This section will guide you through these processes, providing practical strategies for developing assessments that accurately measure student proficiency.
Rubrics and rating scales are essential tools for consistent and fair evaluation. We will cover how to develop effective rubrics, use rating scales for evaluation, and train assessors to ensure reliable scoring. These tools help standardise assessment practices and provide clear criteria for evaluation.
Formative and summative assessments each play a critical role in language learning. This section will discuss the purposes and implementation of both formative and summative assessments, as well as strategies for balancing these approaches to support ongoing learning and measure achievement.
Conducting speaking tests requires careful planning and administration. We will explore different types of speaking tests, such as interviews and role-plays, and discuss procedures for administering these tests to ensure fairness and consistency. Effective test administration is key to obtaining accurate assessments of student proficiency.
Assessing pronunciation involves evaluating key aspects such as stress, intonation, and clarity. This section will cover techniques for evaluating pronunciation and providing constructive feedback to help students improve their speaking skills. Pronunciation assessment is an important component of overall oral proficiency.
Evaluating fluency involves measuring the smoothness and flow of speech. We will discuss tools and techniques for fluency assessment, as well as strategies to help students improve their fluency. Accurate assessment of fluency is essential for understanding students' ability to communicate effectively.
Assessing grammar and vocabulary is critical for comprehensive oral proficiency evaluation. This section will cover methods for evaluating these components, addressing common errors, and providing feedback to help students improve their language accuracy and range.
Listening skills are integral to oral proficiency. We will discuss the role of listening in language learning, design listening comprehension tasks, and explore how to integrate listening and speaking assessments. Effective listening assessment supports students' overall communicative competence.
Providing effective feedback and reporting assessment results are key to guiding student learning. This section will cover techniques for providing constructive feedback, documenting and reporting results, and using feedback to inform instruction. Effective feedback helps students understand their progress and areas for improvement.
This course aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to assess oral English language proficiency effectively in ELICOS settings. By the end of this course, you will be able to design and implement assessments that support student learning and provide valuable insights into their language development.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:
1. Introduction to Oral Language Proficiency
- Definition and Importance
- Key Components of Oral Proficiency
2. Understanding the ELICOS Context
- Overview of ELICOS Programs
- Student Demographics and Needs
- ELICOS Standards and Requirements
3. Theoretical Foundations of Language Assessment
- Key Theories in Language Acquisition
- Principles of Language Assessment
- Impact of Assessment on Learning
4. Designing Oral Proficiency Assessments
- Types of Oral Assessments
- Aligning Assessments with Learning Objectives
- Creating Valid and Reliable Assessment Tools
5. Rubrics and Rating Scales
- Developing Effective Rubrics
- Using Rating Scales for Consistent Evaluation
- Training Assessors for Reliable Scoring
6. Formative vs. Summative Assessments
- Understanding Formative Assessment
- Implementing Summative Assessment
- Balancing Formative and Summative Approaches
7. Conducting Speaking Tests
- Types of Speaking Tests (e.g., Interviews, Role-Plays)
- Test Administration Procedures
- Ensuring Fairness and Consistency
8. Assessing Pronunciation
- Key Aspects of Pronunciation to Assess
- Techniques for Evaluating Pronunciation
- Providing Constructive Feedback
9. Evaluating Fluency
- Defining and Measuring Fluency
- Tools and Techniques for Fluency Assessment
- Strategies to Improve Student Fluency
10. Assessing Grammar and Vocabulary
- Importance of Grammar and Vocabulary in Oral Proficiency
- Methods for Evaluating Grammar and Vocabulary
- Addressing Common Errors and Mistakes
11. Listening Skills Assessment
- Role of Listening in Oral Proficiency
- Designing Listening Comprehension Tasks
- Integrating Listening and Speaking Assessments
12. Feedback and Reporting
- Providing Effective Feedback to Students
- Documenting and Reporting Assessment Results
- Using Feedback to Guide Instruction
COURSE DURATION:
The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.
COURSE DELIVERY:
Purchase and download course content.
ASSESSMENT:
A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.
CERTIFICATION:
Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.