Hello and thanks for the response.
No, I wasn't being ironic. I just wondered exactly what this specialism entails. I had in mind people writing content for FCE exams and the like or designing new tests in a similar vein.
I guess the aim is to design reliable and valid tests that would enable other professionals to place learners on an agreed framework e.g. Common European Framework (I presume there are other international frameworks? It would be interesting to find out).
I haven't come across the authors Eddie mentions so I will look into these.
How does one become an EFL testing specialist? Is there any specific training in this? (I'm not planning a change of career, I'm just wondering).
Adrian Salmond
Education Co-ordinator
John Howard Centre
12 Kenworthy Road
London
E9 5TD
tel. 020 8510 2468
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-----Original Message-----
From: ESOL-Research discussion forum and message board [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Eddie Williams
Sent: 28 July 2010 13:09
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: EFL Research
Just in case Adrian Salmon's question is not ironic:
An EFL testing specialist is someone who knows more than the average
person about
the construction and analysis of tests that attempt to measure various
aspects of proficiency
and performance in people who are learning English as an additional
language (EFL is
admittedly considered a slightly dated acronym by the more progressive
elements,
but its meaning is clear).
This specialisation is not pursued in a mindless and mechanical manner:
check out work by Charles Alderson,
Carline Clapham, Alan Davies, Arthur Hughes, Barry O'Sullivan, Diane
Wall, Cyril Weir among others in the UK.
Non-Brits include Jim Cummins, Tim Macnamara, Charlene Rivera, Meryl
Swain, and a host of others.
Take some time out to read their work, then you'll know what an EFL
testing specialist is.
And if the question was ironic, then a scan through the work of the
above is even more desirable!
That said, there is no doubt that there are some "entrepreneurs" about
(I choose the word advisedly),
who are not averse to exploiting the current situation in the UK - we
must be on our guard!
Eddie
On 28/07/2010 09:40, Adrian Salmond wrote:
> What is an "EFL testing specialist"??
>
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