Language Testing

Subject LING90009 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

Semester 2, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

Semester 2, Parkville - Taught online/distance.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

On campus or online

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 2.5 hour seminar per week. For students taking this subject online: 2.5 hours of online work related to course materials (activities, self-assessment, bulletin board discussion)
Total Time Commitment: 2/5 contact hours/week. 7.5 additional hours/week. Total of 10 hours per week.
Prerequisites: none
Corequisites: none
Recommended Background Knowledge: none
Non Allowed Subjects: none
Core Participation Requirements: For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Coordinator

Prof Tim Mcnamara

Contact

tfmcna@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview:

Introduction to the theory and practice of language testing in a range of second language contexts. Topics covered include the social and political functions of tests, test validity, test reliability, norm-referenced and criterion-referenced tests, reporting of results including rating scales, profiles and outcome statements, testing of language for specific purposes, design, construction and validation of language tests, classroom language assessment and alternative assessment practices. Students will be encouraged to develop solutions to language assessment problems relevant to their own work settings.
Objectives:
  • have an understanding of the main debates and issues in language testing.
  • be able to conduct a small scale test development or research in the field of language assessment.
Assessment:

Two written assignments: 2000 words, 40% (due towards the middle of the semester). and 3000 words, 60% (due after the end of the semester).
Prescribed Texts:

A reader will be available.

  • Mcnamara, T. (2000) . Language Testing . Oxford University Press. 2000
Recommended Texts:

Bachman, LG and A.S Palmer (1996) Language Testing in Practice. Oxford University Press

Fulcher, G and F Davidson (2007). Language Testing and Assessment: An Advanced Resource Book. Routledge
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • develop research skills.
  • develop critical thinking and analytic skills.
  • be able to communicate ideas through writing.
Notes: Subject offered as both online and on-campus. Some restrictions on student visa holders apply. Please contact the subject coordinator for more information.
Related Course(s): M.A.Applied Linguistics (Advanced Seminars and Shorter Thesis)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: English Language
Language Testing
TESOL
Technology in Language Learning

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