Hi
Thanks to all who have replied to me individually or on the forum. The latest booklets that have come out from Edexcel - 'Guidance and Instructions for conducting ESOL and ESOL for Work Tests 2011-2012' and 'Standards Verification Handbook 2011-12' both state video recording is required and have no mention of audio recording. Pages 11 and 12 of the Guidance document give 27 points about how to video record. The first point is 'All assessed learners' performances must be video recorded'.
Various of you have phoned Edexcel and the reply has been to some that it is a typo or mistake ( 27 required points a typo?) and that the specification would have to be changed before it is a requirement; others have been told it is being phased in this year. I am still waiting for my Standards Verifier to get back to me.
I agree we have to prepare learners for real life but do not believe that video recording learners in a test situation is fair. Point 9.17 of the latest guidance booklet says that the learner should be forward facing and looking straight in the video camera. This is extremely intimidating and not realistic particularly when the learner is supposed to be talking to either the interlocutor or their partner during the test.
Hopefully, at some point, there will be a definitive response from Edexcel but it does appear that in the light of everyone's enquiries audio recording will be permitted for the time being at least.
Best wishes
Sue Mirams
ESOL Manager
Leicestershire Adult Learning Service
0116 2696924
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