Online Language Testing and Assessment in the Pandemic: Opinions from Test Administrators and Examiners

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54855/paic.2212

Keywords:

foreign language testing and assessment, online language testing, online testing and assessment, online at-home test delivery

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted foreign language education in general and assessment practices in particular. Many changes have been implemented regarding the mode of language testing and assessment when conventional face-to-face examinations cannot be applied. One radical change is the emergence and acceptance of online at-home assessments. The University of Languages and International Studies, Vietnam National University (VNU-ULIS), has followed this trend with numerous online testing and assessment activities during the 2021-2022 period. These activities assess learners' language learning progress and proficiency via different tests. To evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of online testing and assessment during the period, the researchers surveyed more than one hundred test administrators and examiners on their opinions and experiences in virtual exams. The participants shared valuable information on their experiences with the online system and their beliefs on the advantages and drawbacks of online at-home assessments. As a result, the research project can develop and later expand its sample as well as utilize other data collection methods to gain multi-dimensional information.

Author Biographies

Nguyen Thi Quynh Yen, University of Languages and International Studies, Vietnam National University, Vietnam

Dr. Nguyen Thi Quynh Yen (Yen Nguyen) is the Director of the Center for Language Testing and Assessment at the University of Languages and International Studies, Vietnam National University Hanoi (ULIS-VNU). She holds a PhD in English Language Assessment. Her research interests include English linguistics, teaching methodology and language assessment.

Tran Thi Thu Hien, University of Languages and International Studies, Vietnam National University, Vietnam

Tran Thi Thu Hien (Hien Tran) is a lecturer-researcher at the University of Languages and International Studies, VNU. Her authored works are mainly in applied linguistics and language teaching. Her interests vary with ESP, advertising language and professional development. Recently, Hien has focused on CLIL, language testing and assessment.

Nguyen Thi Ngoc Quynh, University of Languages and International Studies, Vietnam National University, Vietnam

Dr. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Quynh (Quynh Nguyen) holds a PhD in Applied Linguistics from the University of Melbourne, Australia. She is currently the Head of the Science and Technology Office at ULIS-VNU. She plays a leading role in institutional and national projects on language assessment and teacher development. Her research interests are second language education and assessment, teacher development, and bilingual education.

Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, University of Languages and International Studies, Vietnam National University, Vietnam

Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao (Thao Nguyen) is a lecturer and researcher at VNU University of Languages and International Studies. She earned a Master’s degree in English Language Teaching from the University of Southampton, UK. She has participated in research projects on test development and examiner training. Her research interests include teacher education, professional development, testing and assessment.

Nguyen Thi Chi, University of Languages and International Studies, Vietnam National University, Vietnam

Dr. Nguyen Thi Chi (Chi Nguyen) is a lecturer of English language and a researcher at VNU University of Languages and International Studies. She obtained PhD degree in English teaching methodology at ULIS-VNU. She has involved in projects of test design and examiner training. Her research interests include teacher professional development, testing and assessment, and young learner learning.

Bui Thien Sao, University of Languages and International Studies, Vietnam National University, Vietnam

Bui Thien Sao (Sao Bui) is currently a Ph.D. student in Education Assessment and Evaluation at Melbourne Graduate School of Education. She had several years of working as a test developer and researcher at VNU University of Languages and International Studies. Her research interest includes language testing, reading comprehension, and learner differences.

Nguyen Quynh Hoa, University of Languages and International Studies, Vietnam National University, Vietnam

Nguyen Quynh Hoa (Hoa Nguyen) is a lecturer and a researcher at VNU University of Languages and International Studies. She earned a Master’s degree in Teaching English as a Second Language. Her research interests include language test development, rater training, and professional development. She has participated in research projects on standardized tests, and professional development for teachers and examiners.

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Published

2022-11-22

How to Cite

Nguyen, T. Q. Y., Tran, T. T. H., Nguyen, T. N. Q., Nguyen, T. P. T., Nguyen, T. C., Bui, T. S., & Nguyen, Q. H. (2022). Online Language Testing and Assessment in the Pandemic: Opinions from Test Administrators and Examiners. Proceedings of the AsiaCALL International Conference, 1, 30–45. https://doi.org/10.54855/paic.2212

Issue

Vol. 1 (2022): Proceedings of the 19th AsiaCALL International Conference

Section

Research Article

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Copyright (c) 2022 Nguyen Thi Quynh Yen, Tran Thi Thu Hien, Nguyen Thi Ngoc Quynh, Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, Nguyen Thi Chi, Bui Thien Sao, Nguyen Quynh Hoa

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