Specifications Framework for Tests in an Outcome-based Language Program

Hoang Hong Trang, Nguyen Thi Chi, Duong Thu Mai

Main Article Content

Abstract

Abstract: Driven by the transformation of the language curriculum in the light of the competence-based approach, assessment activities serve as a tool both to measure students’ achievement and to inform their learning progress. As such, it is a requirement that those activities be aligned with targeted competence, or learning outcomes. With broad understanding of outcomes, tests might also be considered as an outcome-based assessment tool, the quality of which can only be assured by a so-called “outcome-based” test spec. This paper, hence, presents various understandings of ‘learning outcomes’, and how testing can be adjusted to fit in with outcome-based assessment. Accordingly, different models of test specifications are reviewed and critiqued, followed by the proposal of a test specification model that is likely to facilitate outcome-based educational system.

Article Details

References

[1] Kennedy, D., Hyland, Á. & Ryan, N. Writing and using learning outcomes: A practical guide. Retrieved on June, 26th 2016 from http://www.tcd.ie/teaching-learning/academic development/assets/pdf/ Kennedy_ Writing_ and_ Using_Learning_Outcomes.pdf.
[2] Harden, R. M. (2007). Outcome-based Education: The future is today. Medical Teacher, Vol. 29.
[3] Kenney, N., Desmarais, S. (n.d.) A guide to developing and assessing learning outcomes at the University of Guelph.
[4] Malan, S. P. T. (2000). The ‘new paradigm’ of outcomes-based education in perspective. Tydskirf vir Gesinsekologie en Verbruikerswetenskappe, Vol. 28.
[5] Pulser, L. (2002). Recognition in the European higher education area: An agenda for 2010. To be reported at the international seminar of recognition issues in the Bologna process, Lisboa, Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian, 11 – 12 April.
[6] Spady, W. G. (1994). Outcome-based education: Critical issues and answers. U.S.A: American Association of School Administrators.
[7] Killen, R. (2000). Standards-referenced assessment: Linking outcomes, assessment and reporting. Keynote address to be presented at the Annual Conference of the Association for the Study of Evaluation in Education in Southern Africa, Port Elizabeth, South Africa, 26-29 September.
[8] Fulcher, G. (2010). Practical Language Testing. Great Britain: Hodder Education.
[9] Davidson, F. & Lynch, B. K. (2002). Testcraft: A teacher’s guide to writing and using language test specifications. Canada: Yale University Press.
[10] Bachman, L. F. & Palmer, A. S. (1996). Language testing in practice: Designing and Developing useful language tests. Hong Kong: OUP.
[11] Alderson et al. (1995). Language test construction and evaluation. UK: CUP.
[12] Information for candidates: introducing IELTS to test takers. Retrieved on June 30th 2016 from www.IELTS.org.
[13] ETS. TOEFL iBT Research Insight: TOEFL iBT test framework and test development. Series 1, Vol. 1. Retrieved on July 1st 2016 from https://www.ets.org/s/toefl/pdf/toefl_ibt_research_insight.pdf.
[14] Cambridge English Language Assessment. (2015). Cambridge English: First handbook for teachers. Retrieved on July 1st 2016 from http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/images/cambridge-english-first-for-schools-handbook-2015.pdf.