Asian Association for Language Assessment

The classroom is a busy place with teachers presenting and practicing language points and skills, encouraging learners to communicate effectively in groups, whilst paying attention to the social context of language use. In addition, teachers offer skills practice and helpful learning strategies often in relation to the specific goals of the learner, for future study or developing language skills appropriate for the workplace. Similarly, teachers are involved in evaluating learners; sometimes just to give feedback to support learning but also for end of term or end of year evaluations which can have an impact on the learners’ progress, motivation and life chances. This testing activity is often set against the background of high stakes international tests of English such as PTE Academic or IELTS.

Set in the broader context of modern language assessment practices, this paper will look at specific classroom tools which help teachers evaluate students learning and gives comprehensive feedback referencing specific learning objectives and course material designed to have an immediate impact on the learner. The paper will evaluate the use of automated scoring methods based on AI (artificial intelligence) technologies for productive language skills, such as those used in Pearson Benchmark tests and PTE Academic, contrasting them with the traditional models of speaking and writing assessment.

The paper will also look at how using test items which target integrated skills taps into a wider range of language ability traits thereby challenging the construct under-representation of current approaches to testing. This approach adds significant detail and precision essential to high stakes tests such as PTE Academic but also fundamental to tests such as Pearson Benchmark where detailed feedback is needed.    These tools and approaches help build a much more comprehensive picture of language learning for both the learner and the teacher and for younger learners, the parent, identifying where the learner could work most actively to improve their language proficiency. The assessment tools are also used in conjunction with certificated tests to reward learners throughout their lifetime of language learning.