Students
APPL8240 – Language Testing and Evaluation
2021 – Session 2, Special circumstances
Session 2 Learning and Teaching Update
The decision has been made to conduct study online for the remainder of Session 2 for all units WITHOUT mandatory on-campus learning activities. Exams for Session 2 will also be online where possible to do so.
This is due to the extension of the lockdown orders and to provide certainty around arrangements for the remainder of Session 2. We hope to return to campus beyond Session 2 as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so.
Some classes/teaching activities cannot be moved online and must be taught on campus. You should already know if you are in one of these classes/teaching activities and your unit convenor will provide you with more information via iLearn. If you want to confirm, see the list of units with mandatory on-campus classes/teaching activities.
Visit the MQ COVID-19 information page for more detail.
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Agnes Bodis
Margaret Wood
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MAppLing or MAppLingTESOL or MTransInterMAppLingTESOL or MEd
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit covers key concepts and issues in language testing and provides students with principles and techniques for designing and evaluating language tests and assessment tasks. Functions of language tests, models of language proficiency, assessment of language skills and components, and frame of reference for interpreting test scores are among the topics discussed in this unit. The unit also focuses on other issues such as test usefulness framework and language tests in social contexts. Overall, the aim of the unit is to develop assessment literacy in current or future teachers. |
Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- ULO1: Explain key terms and concepts in language testing and assessment including a range of purposes for assessment
- ULO2: Critically evaluate issues and challenges in assessing language skills and components
- ULO3: Identify and communicate key features of quality assessment to a professional audience
- ULO4: Apply quality assessment features to a language tests and assessment tasks to evaluate their usefulness
- ULO5: Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the main concepts, purposes, and procedures in language testing
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Task 1: Annotated bibliography | 25% | No | 22 Aug 2021 |
| Review paper | 30% | No | 19 Sep 2021 |
| Group oral presentation | 15% | No | Weeks 10-13 as scheduled |
| Active participation | 5% | No | Week 13 |
| Final test | 25% | No | Week 14 as scheduled |
Assessment Task 1: Annotated bibliography
Assessment Type 1: Annotated bibliography
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: 22 Aug 2021
Weighting: 25%
Choose an issue or challenge related to a module in a language test; search the databases and prepare an annotated bibliography
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain key terms and concepts in language testing and assessment including a range of purposes for assessment
- Critically evaluate issues and challenges in assessing language skills and components
- Apply quality assessment features to a language tests and assessment tasks to evaluate their usefulness
Review paper
Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: 19 Sep 2021
Weighting: 30%
Students will change their first assessment task (annotated bibliography) into an essay.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain key terms and concepts in language testing and assessment including a range of purposes for assessment
- Critically evaluate issues and challenges in assessing language skills and components
- Identify and communicate key features of quality assessment to a professional audience
- Apply quality assessment features to a language tests and assessment tasks to evaluate their usefulness
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the main concepts, purposes, and procedures in language testing
Group oral presentation
Assessment Type 1: Presentation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 5 hours
Due: Weeks 10-13 as scheduled
Weighting: 15%
Students will prepare and present a group oral presentation on their chosen topics for the first assessment task
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain key terms and concepts in language testing and assessment including a range of purposes for assessment
- Critically evaluate issues and challenges in assessing language skills and components
- Identify and communicate key features of quality assessment to a professional audience
- Apply quality assessment features to a language tests and assessment tasks to evaluate their usefulness
Active participation
Assessment Type 1: Participatory task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 8 hours
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 5%
Students will take part in online activities to consolidate their learning.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain key terms and concepts in language testing and assessment including a range of purposes for assessment
- Identify and communicate key features of quality assessment to a professional audience
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the main concepts, purposes, and procedures in language testing
Final test
Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: Week 14 as scheduled
Weighting: 25%
Students will be assessed on the content of the unit to make sure they have read the unit materials and have mastered key concepts and procedures.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain key terms and concepts in language testing and assessment including a range of purposes for assessment
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the main concepts, purposes, and procedures in language testing
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
The delivery of this unit is online through scheduled Zoom sessions. The sessions are interactive. Students are expected to have watched the pre-recorded videos, read the set readings and covered other set materials before the class. Students are required to actively participate in class. Students are also expected to do independent research using the library resources, and to search, select and analyse relevant readings.
Resources are available through the iLearn website for this unit. Technologies used include video, Zoom, Echo360 and other online resources.
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Requesting an extension to assignment due date
On occasion, you may be in a situation when you aren't able to submit an assessment task on time. Extensions are only given in special circumstances, by completing a Special Consideration request. For more information on Special Consideration, see https://students.mq.edu.au/study/my-study-program/special-consideration
Late submission of assignments
If you haven't been approved for an extension and you submit your assessment task late, penalties are applied. You should consult your unit convenor if you are in this position. Late submissions will receive a 5% per day penalty. If you submit the assessment task 10 days or more beyond the due date, without an approved extension, you will be awarded a maximum of 50% of the overall assessment marks. Weekends and public holidays are included.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to help you improve your marks and take control of your study.
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Unit information based on version 2021.02 of the Handbook