2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

EDUC5927M Assessing Language Learning

15 creditsClass Size: 60

Module manager: TBC
Email: @leeds.ac.uk

Taught: 1 Mar to 31 May View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

Assessment literacy is now recognized as a vital teacher quality, both because all teachers need to use classroom-based assessments to understand the impact of their work, and because teaching curricula and materials are often shaped by high-stakes tests. In this module students will learn to apply key theoretical concepts in assessment, to design language tests and other forms of assessment, and to evaluate their validity.

Objectives

Through a combination of short lectures, individual reading tasks, small group discussions, in-class problem-solving, whole class debate, group oral presentations and an individual written essay, we aim to:

- convince students of the importance of teachers regularly assessing learning, formatively and summatively.

- enhance their understanding of key concepts in assessment theory.

- show how language assessment has evolved historically in line with changes in our understanding of language and learning.

- develop their ability to design language tests or other assessments of specific L2 skills or knowledge.

- enhance their ability to critically analyse and evaluate assessments.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will be able to
1. demonstrate awareness and understanding of diverse purposes and contexts of language assessment

2. articulate an understanding of key concepts in assessment

3. design and justify a valid test or other assessment of specific language skills or knowledge, appropriate to a particular purpose and context.

Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:

1. Critically consider theories, procedures and techniques of language assessment.

2. Articulate an extended validity argument

3. Demonstrate independent learning, an ability to collaborate and to work in a way which facilitates continuing professional development.

Syllabus

Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Supervision	1	0.50	0.50
Seminar	5	2.00	10.00
Independent online learning hours			39.50
Private study hours			100.00
Total Contact hours			10.50
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Preparation and follow-up tasks before/after each seminar, discussed at the beginning of each seminar. Tasks carried out during seminar with immediate feedback given.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Presentation	Group presentation	30.00
Essay	Coursework	70.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

The assessment is in two parts. All students will do the group presentation, while for the individual written essay, students can choose between trialling and evaluating a test, and proposing a new form of assessment.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 21/06/2024

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