NILE | Testing, Evaluation and Assessment

This course is an introduction to key concepts, principles and practices in language testing and assessment, and in the broader area of course and programme evaluation. The course is designed for education professionals with a general interest in language assessment, and for those with a specific professional role in this area. You will explore approaches to design, delivery and alignment of language assessment - of language skills and underlying competences such as grammar. You will also examine alternative approaches to assessment, and implications of digital and online delivery.

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" I really enjoyed the course, it contained elements I had been expecting but much of it was new, too. Everything was organised well and if I had needed to contact Anna, I'm sure she would have been very helpful, she was on hand if we had questions. I think the course will be useful for my professional development. "
Camilla - 2019

Is this course for you?

Location: Online

Experience:
Teachers involved in testing, assessment and evaluation in their professional context.

Language Level: B2

Course dates:
16 January - 22 March 2023
17 April - 21 June 2023
18 September - 22 November 2023

Certification:
NILE Certificate
Option for Trinity CertTP

Course Length: 8 weeks

Course fees:
Course fee £495
Trinity CertPT qualification (optional): £325

Minimum age: 18

Max class size: 16

Tutor-led and highly interactive

Live and asynchronous eLearning platforms

Specialist ELT eLibrary

Accredited by AQUEDUTO

Course content

The key principles in the field of testing, assessment and evaluation

How to develop their skills as test designers and evaluators

How to allow for further development after the course

How to evaluate the full range of test types, assessment procedures and examinations

How to offer well-informed leadership to their colleagues and institutions in the fields of testing, evaluation and assessment

Making the testing and assessment coherent with the teaching

Testing and assessing the full range of communicative skills; profiling

Basic statistical issues in testing: item analysis and test evaluation

Critical review of exams: what should we look for in an EFL exam

Testing and assessing young learners

‘Authentic‘ modes of assessment: self-, peer- and portfolio assessment

Testing and the new technology: the role of computers, CATs and Internet

The course will look at the key principles in evaluation in ELT: different models for different objectives; review of formative and summative purposes in testing and assessment; key issues in test design, construction and validation. Finally, we will explore how to put principles into practice: producing good tests and making them work.

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" I was thoroughly satisfied with the course. The tutor was excellent and provided us with great insights and support throughout the course. "
Participant - 2019

" I extremely enjoyed the course as I mentioned in the reflection. professional,attractive and exceeded my expectations. "
Nashat - 2019

Further Information

NILE Online courses are highly interactive and learning takes place through varied and engaging multimedia content and the collaboration between participants from different contexts. All participants work on the same unit in the same week but there is a high level of flexibility within that time period to help you fit studying around your life and work. The interaction via forums and the other powerful digital tools built into the platform help and encourage you to share ideas, ask questions, explore concepts and build up a community.

You need a computer, a headset (with microphone) and an Internet connection. Much of the course can be done on a mobile device, but a computer is needed for certain activities and tasks.

All participants have access to NILE’s extensive ELT e-library and an innovative social and cultural programme.

Course Leader

Thom Kiddle

Thom has worked at NILE since 2011. He has previously worked in Portugal, the UK, Australia, Thailand and Chile in language teaching, teacher training and language assessment.

He has a Master’s degree in Language Testing from Lancaster University and the Cambridge Delta. Thom is treasurer and founding director of AQUEDUTO – the Association for Quality Education and Training Online; webmaster for the Testing, Evaluation and Assessment Special Interest Group of IATEFL; and Vice Chair of the Eaquals Board of Trustees. Thom was also a plenary speaker at IATEFL 2021.