LSMTP-Language Testing Principles

Module Provider: English Language and Applied Linguistics
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Parvaneh Tavakoli
Email: p.tavakoli@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This module aims to familiarise participants with the basic concepts, issues and methods of language testing.

Aims:
This module aims to familiarise participants with the basic concepts, issues and methods of language testing.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module it is expected that students will be able to:

• define the nature of the construct they wish to measure;
• identify the distinguishing characteristics of a range of different types of test;
• select appropriate test type and test methods in line with the specification;
• construct a reliable and valid test of reading, writing, speaking, listening or general proficiency to meet a specified need;
• indicate the major issues and principles involved in the development of a test.

Additional outcomes:
Students will develop their skills of numeracy.

Outline content:
Topics to be covered include: Tests and their Uses, Theoretical Issues , Test Performance, Test Development and Construction, Testing the Receptive Skills: Listening, Testing the Receptive Skills: Reading, Testing the Productive Skills: Writing, Testing the Productive Skills: Speaking, Reporting and Interpreting Test Scores, Directions in Language Testing.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
A combination of input, discussion and tasks.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		20
Guided independent study:		180
Total hours by term		200
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
Students will complete a 3,000- 4,000 written assignment.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy 'Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes', which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 50% overall

Reassessment arrangements:
Re-examination by coursework to be submitted by 1st September.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 30 March 2023