Journal article
The Decision-Making Process in Language Program Placement: Test and Nontest Factors Interacting in Context
Language assessment quarterly, Vol.10(2), pp.115-134
04/01/2013
DOI: 10.1080/15434303.2011.627598
Abstract
The use of tests has been targeted as a critical point in validity, which suggests that contexts for test use warrant closer investigation. This article describes a study of decision making during test use in the context of a university intensive English language program. Over a period of 21/2 years, data were collected by audio-recording placement sessions in which the program director and an instructor made decisions based on a three-part placement exam, TOEFL scores, course grades, instructor evaluations, and other information. Analysis of the sessions revealed four major areas impacting test use and the decision-making process: (a) test performance and score factors, (b) student factors, (c) test user factors, and (d) program factors (i.e., number and size of levels, curriculum, textbooks). These four areas represent factors in the placement process that are clearly about tests (test performance and score) and factors that have less relation to tests or scores such as test users and programmatic factors. The test and nontest factors interacted in the placement process to navigate borderlines between levels, confirm placements, and adhere to programmatic constraints.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- The Decision-Making Process in Language Program Placement: Test and Nontest Factors Interacting in Context
- Creators
- Lia Plakans - University of IowaMaureen Burke - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Language assessment quarterly, Vol.10(2), pp.115-134
- Publisher
- Taylor & Francis
- DOI
- 10.1080/15434303.2011.627598
- ISSN
- 1543-4303
- eISSN
- 1543-4311
- Number of pages
- 20
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 04/01/2013
- Academic Unit
- Teaching and Learning
- Record Identifier
- 9984372059302771
Metrics
4 Record Views