Plenaries
Friday, 9:00 to 10:15 AM—In the Nexus of Academia, Business and Government: Language Proficiency as a Bridge
In this panel presentation, the speakers discuss the evolution of language proficiency scales, emphasizing the need for detailed yet concise descriptors adaptable to diverse audiences. It covers the history of scale development, contrasts academic, business and government contexts, and emphasizes a shift towards proficiency-based assessments. The session stresses understanding and warns against misuse of proficiency scales.
Ray Clifford, Brigham Young University
Margaret Malone, ACTFL
Rachel Brooks, FBI
Ray Clifford, Brigham Young University
Margaret Malone, ACTFL
Rachel Brooks, FBI
Friday 3:30 to 4:30 PM—A Test Review of Pearson’s New Versant English Speaking & Listening Test (VESLT)
In this session, we introduce an innovative presentation type that we hope will become common in language assessment conferences. A test developer will introduce a new language assessment, and an academic will critique it. After the test developer responds to the critique, the audience will have an opportunity to ask the test developer and the academic questions about the test and critique.
William J. Bonk, Pearson
Gary J. Ockey, Iowa State University
William J. Bonk, Pearson
Gary J. Ockey, Iowa State University
Saturday 9:00 to 10:15—Eye Tracking in Language Assessment: Emerging Best Practices and Future Frontiers
Eye tracking, recording eye movements in real-time, is a potent tool across disciplines, including language assessment research. It provides insight into cognitive processes and test validity. In this keynote, Aline introduces eye movement recording's utility, drawing from extensive research. Critiquing its methodology, she highlights its importance in achieving accurate language assessment and discusses strengths, weaknesses, and the future of eye tracking in language testing.
Aline Godfroid, Michigan State University
Aline Godfroid, Michigan State University
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