Second Language Assessment

This subject is not offered in 2015.

340 hours

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 website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

A study of the theory and practice of second language assessment. Topics include: the purposes of language assessment, models of communicative language ability and their implications for assessment, the design of assessment instruments, assessing speaking, listening, reading and writing skills, self and peer assessment, establishing criteria for the evaluation of assessment instruments, current trends and ethics in language assessment.

On completion of this subject students should be able to:

• demonstrate a sound understanding of the theory and practice of language assessment;
• identify, describe and critically evaluate the key assumptions underlying assessment practices in second language education; and
• design an assessment framework for a specified second language curriculum.

There are three assessment components:

• Online forum contributions 2,000 words throughout the semester 20%
• Description and evaluation of an assessment instrument 3,000 wordsdue mid semester 30%
• Design of an assessment framework for a specific second language curriculum (5,000 words) due end of semester 50%

There is one hurdle requirement:

• Evidence of the completion of set reading and exercises on each topic.

Attendance at all classes (tutorial/seminars/practical classes/lectures/labs) is obligatory. Failure to attend 80% of classes will normally result in failure in the subject.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of this subject, students should be able to demonstrate:

• an advanced understanding of the changing knowledge base of assessment practices in second language education;
• an appreciation of the ways in which this advanced knowledge equips the student to offer leadership in second language education;
• and a capacity to articulate their knowledge and understanding in oral and written presentations.