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School of Literature, Languages and Linguistics · ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences
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 informed connections between government or institutional policies, their instruments and the sociopolitical priorities that drive them. 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.
Engagement tasks, for example quizzes, forum posts and peer-led discussions
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 5
Analysis of selected assessment items in current policy use (1000 words)
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 5
Case study of an assessment/policy: (1) forum provocation for peer discussion, (2) student-led group discussion, (3) written paper (1000 words)
Learning outcomes 1, 3, 5
Research project (2000 words)
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
130 hours of total student learning time made up from: a) 36 hours of contact over 12 weeks, and b) 94 hours of independent student research, reading and writing. Work Integrated Learning Other In the course "Language, Assessment and Policy", students experience actual assessment and policy practice. In two substantial assessments, they are required to seek assessments and policies from the real world, and analyse and evaluate these in terms of theoretical content from the course. They experience building assessments themselves so that they understand how standardised tests and other kinds of assessments are developed in both industry and education. Students develop skills to go further in the standardised testing industry, as well as for professional development in the education sector.
Not applicable