Author: admin

Academic literacy, Language testing

Pre-university test of academic literacy vs. English language matric results: which is the better predictor of academic success?

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Dr Kabelo Sebolai

Standardised tests of academic literacy are a good indicator of first-year academic performance, according to Dr. Kabelo Sebolai, Deputy Director of the Language Centre at Stellenbosch University. At least for Stellenbosch University, results show that the performance standards set for the standardised test of academic literacy associate positively with first-year academic performance, while the scores on the levels of performance set for the school-leaving English examination do not. Continue reading “Pre-university test of academic literacy vs. English language matric results: which is the better predictor of academic success?” →

Language testing, Validity

Two schools of thought on test validity

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AUTHOR: Kabelo Sebolai

Validity is probably the most crucial of all concepts that govern all kinds of measurement. This is more so the case in educational and psychological testing where high stakes decisions often need to be taken about individuals and institutions. From the time it saw the light of day, however, the concept of validity has been a source of inconclusive contestation. Continue reading “Two schools of thought on test validity” →

Diversity, Language testing

The management of language diversity in educational settings

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For language empowerment to take place in diverse environments, policy, planning, instruction and assessment all need to be aligned. Several NExLA members were recently involved in highlighting how language testing can contribute to achieving this harmony. The occasion? A workshop hosted by the Unit for Language Facilitation and Empowerment (ULFE) of the University of the Free State, with the theme of  language diversity in educational settings.

Continue reading “The management of language diversity in educational settings” →

Academic literacy, Language testing, Transformation

Transformation and transition: four perspectives from the south on academic literacy assessment in times of change

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:LTRC 2018 Symposium

At the upcoming LTRC 2018 in Auckland, several NExLA members will be involved in one of six symposia featuring top scholars from around the world. Join us in Session 2 on the first day if you’re there! Continue reading “Transformation and transition: four perspectives from the south on academic literacy assessment in times of change” →

Ethicality, Language testing

ILTA Code of Ethics to be translated into Afrikaans

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Tineke Brunfaut, coordinator of a project of the International Language Testing Association (ILTA; http://www.iltaonline.com/) that aims to have the ILTA Code of ethics translated into more languages, has approached us to have it translated into Afrikaans. As its name says, the ILTA Code of Ethics is a set of principles that serves to guide good professional conduct in language testing and assessment. The Code has so far been translated into seven languages apart from English, and we are privileged to be able to assist in this. Continue reading “ILTA Code of Ethics to be translated into Afrikaans” →