Second Language Assessment

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

340 hours

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://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.

This subject has a minimum hurdle requirement of 80% attendance at all tutorials, seminars and workshops

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.