2023
Plenary Speech
Jessica Wu
From GEPT to BESTEP: 20+ Years of Taiwan Language Tests
The General English Proficiency Test (GEPT) has been Taiwan's leading English proficiency test for over two decades. However, the new BEST Test of English Proficiency (BESTEP) will debut in September 2023 to promote bilingual education at the tertiary level by assessing university students' written and oral competencies, essential in Taiwan's EMI milieu. This presentation examines the past and future of language testing in Taiwan, including the challenges and trends encountered while developing both tests. The BESTEP operates in an increasingly complex bilingual education environment, requiring more effort to co-construct test validation with key stakeholders, practice learning-oriented assessment, foster assessment literacy, and utilize technology. By prioritizing learners and stakeholders, these challenges can become opportunities for comprehensive teaching, learning, and assessment.
Dr. Jessica Wu holds a PhD in Language Testing and serves as the Director General for R&D at the LTTC. For over two decades, she has been dedicated to developing localized tests in Taiwan, including the General English Proficiency Test and the recent BEST Test of English Proficiency for College Students. She also serves as an adviser to the government on the development and administration of L1 tests. She has authored multiple articles and book chapters in the realm of language testing, and her research has been presented at prestigious conferences globally. Dr. Wu's expertise is recognized internationally through her leadership roles in organizations like AALA (Past President 2019-2020) and ALTE (Individual Expert Member). She was honored with the Davies Lecture Award in 2022. Currently, she focuses on building a locally appropriate model for bilingual education in Taiwan, aiming to empower learners through inclusive and culturally relevant approaches.