Abstract
The Language Centre (LC) currently uses a commercial test, the Oxford Online Placement Test (OOPT), to place yenigel.pngar 1 entry students into English language ability streams. However, while the OOPT provides a broad indication of English language ability, it is not tailored to the needs of an academic environment, or to the Chinese context. In response to these shortcomings, a project was established to develop an in-house test with content tailored to LC English for Academic Purposes (EAP) provision at XJTLU. This project aims to facilitate better understanding of future cohorts’ English language abilities at point of entry.
To develop the test, candidate sections targeting different language skills were trialed with students already taking EAP modules. After statistical analysis of results, specifications and test items were prepared for a full pilot test, which was administered early in the first semester to 344 students who had also taken the OOPT. The students’ results in the two placement tests were compared with their results in Y1S1EAP module assessments. Module results showed stronger correlations with the in-house placement test than the OOPT, suggesting that the in-house test may be a more accurate predictor of students’ performance in EAP modules.
To develop the test, candidate sections targeting different language skills were trialed with students already taking EAP modules. After statistical analysis of results, specifications and test items were prepared for a full pilot test, which was administered early in the first semester to 344 students who had also taken the OOPT. The students’ results in the two placement tests were compared with their results in Y1S1EAP module assessments. Module results showed stronger correlations with the in-house placement test than the OOPT, suggesting that the in-house test may be a more accurate predictor of students’ performance in EAP modules.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Published - 8 Apr 2016 |
| Event | XJTLU Annual Learning and teaching Colloquium 2016: Imagining the next 10 years in learning and teaching - Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), Suzhou, China Duration: 7 Apr 2016 → 8 Apr 2016 file:///C:/Users/epj2/Downloads/2016%20XJTLU%20Learning%20and%20Teaching%20Colloquium%20(1).pdf |
Conference
| Conference | XJTLU Annual Learning and teaching Colloquium 2016 |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | China |
| City | Suzhou |
| Period | 7/04/16 → 8/04/16 |
| Internet address |
Keywords
- Language testing
- English for academic purposes
- placement testing
