ERIC Number: EJ1192567
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018-Oct
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2322-1291
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Developing a Language Assessment Knowledge Test for EFL Teachers: A Data-Driven Approach
Farhady, Hossein; Tavassoli, Kobra
Iranian Journal of Language Teaching Research, v6 n3 p79-94 Oct 2018
Language assessment knowledge (LAK) is essential for EFL teachers in developing sound assessments and making informed decisions about the progress and achievement of students. It is also essential to have sound measures of teachers' LAK to help them improve their professional accomplishments. To address the issue, this study was designed in multiple stages to develop a test to measure EFL teachers' LAK. First, EFL teachers' needs were identified using an already validated questionnaire (Farhady & Tavassoli, forthcoming). Second, the topics identified through needs analysis were crosschecked with the topics in the assessment textbooks to assure appropriate content coverage. Third, based on the data obtained from needs assessment of 246 EFL teachers and the content of popular language assessment textbooks, a scenario-based LAK test with closed-item formats was developed in six parts, each focusing on one major area of language assessment. Fourth, after having the test reviewed by experts, it was revised and piloted with 50 EFL teachers, necessary revisions were made based on the results of piloting, and the test was finalized and administered to 164 EFL teachers. The data analysis revealed that contrary to teachers' claims in needs assessment, the majority of them had low levels of LAK and they showed willingness to improve their LAK. Further, possible relationships between teachers' LAK and their gender, field of study, educational level, teaching context, and teaching experience were investigated. The findings are presented and implications and applications of the study are explained.
Descriptors: English Teachers, English (Second Language), Knowledge Level, Measures (Individuals), Language Tests, Test Construction, Needs Assessment, Textbooks, Test Validity, Gender Differences, Intellectual Disciplines, Educational Attainment, Public Schools, Private Schools, Teaching Experience, Foreign Countries
Urmia University Press. Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Urmia, 165, Iran; Tel: +98-44-32752741; Fax: +98-44-32752746; e-mail: info@urmia.ac.ir; Web site: http://ijltr.urmia.ac.ir/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Iran
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A