Modern history is replete with struggles that have resulted in political decisions about language use; some languages are designated as ‘official’ state languages, others are side-lined or even erased. In the modern state, language tests are powerful tools of policy. They can be used to reduce the risk of miscommunication in the workplace, or to measure educational achievement, but they can also be used to filter linguistic diversity or to exclude certain groups. Starting from the concept of ‘a language’, this course explores the complex relationships between language use, language acquisition, and mechanisms, such as policies, standardized tests and assessment processes. Throughout the course, there is an emphasis on both theory and practice. Students will examine a range of policy contexts and learn about the principles of language test design and validation, enabling them to make critical and informed connections between government or institutional policies, their instruments and the sociopolitical priorities that drive them. They will have the opportunity to explore a particular assessment or policy context in detail. The course is co-constructed: students will contribute to the course content by selecting and reporting on case studies of interest to them. They will gain exposure to a range of relevant genres, including assessment instruments, policy documents, public information, popular media and academic studies.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- discuss and apply key concepts and theories in the areas of language assessment and language policy;
- apply principles and techniques of test design;
- carry out detailed, critical evaluation of the role of language and assessment practices in specific policy contexts;
- plan, carry out and write up research on language policy and assessment; and
- communicate about language assessment and policy topics to specialist and general audiences.
Staff Feedback
Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:
- numerical marks
- rubric descriptions
- written comments and/or annotations on extended written work
- feedback to whole class.
Students are also welcome to make an appointment to discuss their assessment with the lecturer.
Student Feedback
ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.Class Schedule
| Week/Session | Summary of Activities | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Key ideas: Assessment, Policy | See Reading Guide and Assessment Information booklet on Wattle for readings and task information. |
| 2 | Key ideas: Language ability, Constructs | See Reading Guide and Assessment Information booklet on Wattle for readings and task information. |
| 3 | Key ideas: Usefulness & consequences | Case study discussion due for signed-up students See Reading Guide and Assessment Information booklet on Wattle for readings and task information. |
| 4 | Test design 1: Item writing | Quiz See Reading Guide and Assessment Information booklet on Wattle for readings and task information. |
| 5 | Schooling & the state | Case study discussion due for signed-up students See Reading Guide and Assessment Information booklet on Wattle for readings and task information. |
| 6 | Test design 2: Human and automated scoring | Item analysis due See Reading Guide and Assessment Information booklet on Wattle for readings and task information. |
| 7 | From home to school | Case study discussion due for signed-up students See Reading Guide and Assessment Information booklet on Wattle for readings and task information. |
| 8 | Borders: Language and tests in migration | Case study discussion due for signed-up students See Reading Guide and Assessment Information booklet on Wattle for readings and task information. |
| 9 | Borders: Language, tests, and citizenship | Case study discussion due for signed-up students See Reading Guide and Assessment Information booklet on Wattle for readings and task information. |
| 10 | Workplaces and professional domains | Case study discussion due for signed-up students See Reading Guide and Assessment Information booklet on Wattle for readings and task information. |
| 11 | Test design 3: Dynamic and adaptive methods | Case study discussion due for signed-up students See Reading Guide and Assessment Information booklet on Wattle for readings and task information. |
| 12 | Ethics and standards | Case study discussion due for signed-up students ?Project report due in the exam period See Reading Guide and Assessment Information booklet on Wattle for readings and task information. |
Assessment Summary
| Assessment task | Value | Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| Quiz | 5 % | 1 |
| Item analysis | 20 % | 1, 2, 5 |
| Case study discussion | 5 % | 1, 3, 5 |
| Case study paper | 25 % | 1, 3, 5 |
| Project report | 45 % | 1, 2, 4, 5 |
* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details
Policies
ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:- Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
- Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information
- Student Surveys and Evaluations
- Deferred Examinations
- Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
Assessment Requirements
The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website Students may choose not to submit assessment items through Turnitin. In this instance you will be required to submit, alongside the assessment item itself, hard copies of all references included in the assessment item.Moderation of Assessment
Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.Assessment Task 1
Learning Outcomes: 1
Quiz
Due: Week 4
Weighting: 5%
See Reading Guide and Assessment Information booklet on Wattle for detailed task information.
Assessment Task 2
Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 5
Item analysis
Due: Week 6
Weighting: 20%
See Reading Guide and Assessment Information booklet on Wattle for detailed task information.
Assessment Task 3
Learning Outcomes: 1, 3, 5
Case study discussion
Due: Students sign up to do this task in one week in Weeks 3-12
Weighting: 5%
See Reading Guide and Assessment Information booklet on Wattle for detailed task information.
Assessment Task 4
Learning Outcomes: 1, 3, 5
Case study paper
Due: One week after the Case Study Discussion (Assessment Task 3) takes place in class.
Weighting: 25%
See Reading Guide and Assessment Information booklet on Wattle for detailed task information.
Assessment Task 5
Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 4, 5
Project report
Due: Exam period
Weighting: 45%
See Reading Guide and Assessment Information booklet on Wattle for detailed task information.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with. The University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.Online Submission
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.Hardcopy Submission
For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.Late Submission
Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.
Referencing Requirements
Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.Returning Assignments
Assignments will be returned approximately 2 weeks after submission.
Extensions and Penalties
Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.Resubmission of Assignments
Resubmission not permitted.
Privacy Notice
The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information. In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service — including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy. If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.Distribution of grades policy
Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes. Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.Support for students
The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).- ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
- ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
- ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
- ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
- ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
- ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
- PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students
Convener
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Dr Susy Macqueen
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Instructor
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Dr Susy Macqueen
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