Karaj Islamic Azad University

ELT Department
“Language Assessment PhD”
Kobra Tavassoli

Historical Overview of
Language Assessment
1 Bachman (2000),
Alderson & Banerjee (2001 & 2002),
Farhady (2005),
Davies (in Kunnan 2014, C1)
 An Overview of Language Testing History;
2
Scientification of Language Testing
 Lado’s Conceptualization of Discrete Point Theory
(in 50s)
 Carroll’s Idea about Interrelationship of Language
Components & Skills (in 60s)
 Oller’s Conceptualization of Integrative Theory (in
60s)
 Canale & Swain’s Conceptualization of
Communicative Competence (in 70s)
 Farhady’s Conceptualization of Language Ability
(Functional Theory) (in 80s)
 Bachman’s Conceptualization of Language Ability
(in 90s)
3 1990s: Expansions in Different Areas

1) Research Methodology
2) Practical Advances
3) Research into Factors that Affect Performance on
Language Tests
4) Performance Assessment
5) Ethical issues

2000s
 Important Issues in Alderson & Banerjee
4
 Washback
 Ethics and Fairness
 Politics
 Standards in Testing
 National vs. International Tests
 LSP Testing
 Computer-based Testing
 Self-Assessment
 Alternative Assessment
 Assessing Young Learners
 Construct Validity and Theories of Language Use
 Validation Research
5  Assessing Reading, Listening, Speaking, &
Writing
 Assessing Grammar & Vocabulary
 Tests in Particular Areas
 Achievement Tests
 Influences on Test Performance:
 Statistical and Analytic Techniques:
 Reliability and validity, IRT, MTMM
 Decision Making and Test Referencing
 Developments in Public Examinations, e.g.
TOEFL

● Challenges for the Future

 Towards a New Framework for
6
Language Assessment (LA)

1. The Construct: (Applied linguistics)

2. Measurement: (Psychometrics)
3. Interpretation: (Edumetrics)

 The Applied Linguistics Dimension of LA

 The Psychometrics Dimension of LA
 The Edumetrics Dimension of LA
 The Non-Assessment Dimension of LA
7
Interaction of Different Fields with
Language Teaching and Testing

Applied Linguistics Psychometrics

Language Teaching

Language Testing

Edumetrics Context
 8 Suggested Linguametric Framework

Applied
Linguistics
Construct
Irrelevant Psychometrics Language
Factors Assessment

Edumetrics

● Responsibilities of Linguametricians

Conclusion