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.

References

Andrew, L. (2022). Hidden impacts and stereotypes of technology in language learning: 2nd Presidential Keynote Address – 18th AsiaCALL International Conference. AsiaCALL Online Journal, 13(4), 1-6. https://doi.org/10.54855/acoj.221341

Baleni Z. (2015). Online formative assessment in higher education: Its pros and cons. Electronic Journal of e-Learning, 13(4), 228-236. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1062122

Bộ Giáo dục & Đào tạo. (2021). Thông tư 09/2021 Quy định về quản lý và tổ chức dạy học trực tuyến trong cơ sở giáo dục phổ thông và cơ sở giáo dục thường xuyên. https://moet.gov.vn/pages/tim-kiem.aspx?ItemID=7284

Ministry of Education and Training. (2021). Decision 09/2021 Regulations on managing and organizing online teaching and learning activities in general education institutions and continuing education institutions

Dermo, J. (2009). e‐Assessment and the student learning experience: A survey of student perceptions of e‐assessment. British Journal of Educational Technology, 40(2), 203-214. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8535.2008.00915.x

Dreher, C., Reiners, T., & Dreher, H. (2011). Investigating factors affecting the uptake of automated assessment technology. Journal of Information Technology Education: Research, 10, 161-181. https://doi.org/10.28945/1492

Forrester, A. (2020). Addressing the challenges of group speaking assessments in the time of the Coronavirus. International Journal of TESOL Studies, 2(2), 74–88. https://doi.org/10.46451/ijts.2020.09.07

Gehringer, E., & Peddycord III, B. (2013). Experience with online and open-web exams. Journal of Instructional Research, 2, 10-18. https://doi.org/10.9743/jir.2013.2.12

Ghanbari, N., & Nowroozi, S. (2021). The practice of online assessment in an EFL context amidst COVID-19 pandemic: Views from teachers. Language Testing in Asia, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40468-021-00143-4

Hoang, T. D. ., Phan, T. L., & Le, H. P. (2021). Non-English major students’ perceptions towards TOEIC online learning and testing. AsiaCALL Online Journal, 12(5), 114-128. Retrieved from https://asiacall.info/acoj/index.php/journal/article/view/88

Isbell, D. R., & Kremmel, B. (2020). Test review: Current options in at-home language proficiency tests for making high stakes decisions. Language Testing, 37(4), 600–619. https://doi.org/10.1177/0265532220943483

Li, M., Luo, L., Sikdar, S., Nizam, N. I., Gao, S., Shan, H., Kruger, M., Kruger, U., Mohamed, H., Xia, L., & Wang, G. (2021). Optimized collision prevention for online exams during social distancing. NPJ science of learning, 6(1), 5. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41539-020-00083-3

Nguyen, H. N. (2021). A case ttudy of home-based teaching and learning practice at Ton Duc Thang University. AsiaCALL Online Journal, 12(2), 1-11. Retrieved from https://asiacall.info/acoj/index.php/journal/article/view/24

Ockey, G. (2021). An Overview of COVID-19’s impact on English language university admissions and placement tests, Language Assessment Quarterly, 18(1), 1-5, DOI: 10.1080/15434303.2020.1866576

Plough, I., & Raquel, M. (Eds.). (2020, May). ILTA Newsletter, 4(1). https://www.iltaonline.com/page/NewsletterMay2020

Purpura, J., Davoodifard, M., & Voss, E. (2021). Conversion to remote proctoring of the community English language program online placement exam at Teachers College, Columbia University. Language Assessment Quarterly, 18(1), 42-50. https://doi.org/10.1080/15434303.2020.1867145

Tran, T. M. L., & Nguyen, T. T. H. (2021). The impacts of technology-based communication on EFL students’ writing. AsiaCALL Online Journal, 12(5), 54-76. Retrieved from https://asiacall.info/acoj/index.php/journal/article/view/80

Yulianto, D., & Mujtahin, N. M. (2021). Online assessment during COVID-19 pandemic: EFL teachers’ perspectives and their practices. Journal of English Teaching, 7(2), 229–242. http://ejournal.uki.ac.id/index.php/jet/article/view/2770

Downloads

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

License

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

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

The copyright of all articles published in the Proceedings of the AsiaCALL International Conference (paic) remains with the Authors, i.e. Authors retain full ownership of their article. Permitted third-party reuse of the open access articles is defined by the applicable Creative Commons (CC) end-user license which is accepted by the Authors upon submission of their paper. All articles in the aicp are published under the CC BY-NC 4.0 license, meaning that end users can freely share an article (i.e. copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format) and adapt it (i.e. remix, transform and build upon the material) on the condition that proper attribution is given (i.e. appropriate credit, a link to the applicable license and an indication if any changes were made; all in such a way that does not suggest that the licensor endorses the user or the use) and the material is only used for non-commercial purposes. 

Similar Articles

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 > >> 

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.