Kompetencje XXI wieku: certyfikacja biegłości językowej
Competences of the 21st century: Certification of language proficiency
Contributor(s): Andrzej Dąbrowski (Editor), Radosław Kucharczyk (Editor), Agnieszka Leńko-Szymańska (Editor), Jolanta Sujecka-Zając (Editor)
Subject(s): Language studies, Language and Literature Studies, Applied Linguistics, Studies of Literature, Polish Literature, Philology, British Literature
Published by: Wydawnictwa Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego
Keywords: certification; assessment; language proficiency; language competences; foreign languages
Summary/Abstract: The valid and reliable certification of foreign language competences is a challenge – both in terms of content and organization – for institutions responsible for conducting such exams. The aim of the international conference on Competences of the 21st century: Certification of language proficiency was to provide an opportunity for the exchange of theoretical ideas and experiences in constructing and administering examinations in various Polish and foreign university contexts. The present volume is the outcome of this conference. It includes a selection of articles in Polish and English which discuss a range of issues related to the complex process of certification of language proficiency and which present results of research in this narrow yet very important domain.
- E-ISBN-13: 978-83-235-4691-7
- Print-ISBN-13: 978-83-235-4683-2
- Page Count: 272
- Publication Year: 2020
- Language: English, Polish
The predicament of assessment
The predicament of assessment
(The predicament of assessment)
- Author(s):Hanna Komorowska
- Language:English, Polish
- Subject(s):Language studies, Applied Linguistics, Studies of Literature, Polish Literature, Philology, British Literature
- Page Range:19-28
- No. of Pages:10
- Keywords:language; evaluation; assessment; quantitative; qualitative
- Summary/Abstract:James Clifford (1988) in his seminal book The Predicament of Culture analyses deceptive accounts of other cultures presented from one’s own perspective. Drawing on this analysis I would like to reflect on examinations and certification looking at quantitative evaluation seen from the qualitative standpoint as well as at qualitative assessment viewed from the quantitative stance.
- Price: 4.50 €
Language in assessment: Universalist vs. demotic approaches
Language in assessment: Universalist vs. demotic approaches
(Language in assessment: Universalist vs. demotic approaches)
- Author(s):Constant Leung
- Language:English, Polish
- Subject(s):Language studies, Applied Linguistics, Studies of Literature, Polish Literature, Philology, British Literature
- Page Range:29-44
- No. of Pages:16
- Keywords:academic writing; academic literacy; construct; English as a Lingua Franca; communicative competence
- Summary/Abstract:The paper argues that recent research has alerted us to the changing nature of the use of language in communication in contemporary societies. In relation to the assessment of academic writing, particularly with reference to English, it is suggested that there is a need to broaden the concept of construct. I will draw on studies in English as a Lingua Franca and informal logic of argument to support my argument.
- Price: 4.50 €
Task-based language assessment in light of recent changes in the CEFR regarding mediation and plurilingualism
Task-based language assessment in light of recent changes in the CEFR regarding mediation and plurilingualism
(Task-based language assessment in light of recent changes in the CEFR regarding mediation and plurilingualism)
- Author(s):Sylwia Kossakowska-Pisarek
- Language:English, Polish
- Subject(s):Language studies, Applied Linguistics, Studies of Literature, Polish Literature, Philology, British Literature
- Page Range:45-53
- No. of Pages:9
- Keywords:task-based language assessment; language assessment; university test assessment; CEFR; mediation
- Summary/Abstract:Task-based language assessment has developed simultaneously with taskbased language teaching (TBLT). Tasks provide significant advantages as they enable assessment focused on examinees’ abilities to use the language. This article reviews task-based language assessment in the context of the recent changes to the CEFR and a paradigm shift in language learning.
- Price: 4.50 €
Mniej niż A1…, czyli o kompetencjach użytkownika języka na poziomie Pre-A1
Mniej niż A1…, czyli o kompetencjach użytkownika języka na poziomie Pre-A1
(Below A1...: On the competences of language users at the Pre-A1 level)
- Author(s):Iwona Janowska
- Language:English, Polish
- Subject(s):Language studies, Applied Linguistics, Studies of Literature, Polish Literature, Philology, British Literature
- Page Range:57-79
- No. of Pages:23
- Keywords:levels of language proficiency; language activities and strategies; Council of Europe language policy; CEFR
- Summary/Abstract:The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages has had a significant impact on the learning and teaching of modern languages in Europe, but, above all, it has revolutionised the way language skills are assessed and has contributed to the development of language knowledge certification systems. However, it has often been the subject of criticism and controversy. Certain deficiencies, which seem to be a natural consequence of the document’s comprehensiveness and the assumed goals, have also been noticed by its authors. In 2018, The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: learning, teaching, assessment. Companion volume with new descriptors was published. The document aims not only to improve imperfections, but above all to adapt the description of language education to the current context of language use. The authors of the publication have, among other things, set up language proficiency descriptors for areas not specified in the 2001 version of the CEFR. This is how the Pre-A1 level description was developed. It refers to the level of competence at which the learner has not yet acquired a generative capacity, but relies upon a repertoire of words and formulaic expressions. The paper’s aim is a holistic presentation of this level: the process of the creation of descriptors, as well as the description of language activities and strategies of a novice language user.
- Price: 4.50 €
How to construct your test: The influence of test length on students’ achievement
How to construct your test: The influence of test length on students’ achievement
(How to construct your test: The influence of test length on students’ achievement)
- Author(s):Bojan Prosenjak
- Language:English, Polish
- Subject(s):Language studies, Applied Linguistics, Studies of Literature, Polish Literature, Philology, British Literature
- Page Range:80-92
- No. of Pages:13
- Keywords:test characteristics; test length; test frequency; achievement; attitude towards test length and frequency
- Summary/Abstract:Our study investigated the difference in achievement between two groups of high school students – those who took shorter tests more frequently, and those who took longer tests less frequently. Both tests types tested listening, reading and writing skills. The results showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups, and the participants’ preferences as to the length and frequency of tests indicated a difference of only just above five percentage points in favour of shorter and more frequent tests. Teachers should thus examine their students’ attitudes and motivation, adapt their revision lessons and teaching material accordingly, and construct the most appropriate instrument for testing their students’ achievement.
- Price: 4.50 €
Assessment of B2 English exam writing subtest: A quantitative analysis of the results of a pro-quality study
Assessment of B2 English exam writing subtest: A quantitative analysis of the results of a pro-quality study
(Assessment of B2 English exam writing subtest: A quantitative analysis of the results of a pro-quality study)
- Author(s):Agnieszka Leńko-Szymańska, Jo Lewkowicz, Tomasz Żółtak
- Language:English, Polish
- Subject(s):Language studies, Applied Linguistics, Studies of Literature, Polish Literature, Philology, British Literature
- Page Range:93-106
- No. of Pages:14
- Keywords:writing test; rubric; holistic; analytic; reliability
- Summary/Abstract:This article reports on the quantitative results of the study which was carried out in June and September 2018 by The University of Warsaw Council for the Certification of Language Proficiency. The study reviewed the current procedures applied in the assessment of the writing subtest, which is part of the University of Warsaw’s certification exam in English at the B2 level. The aim of the study was also to explore possible improvements to the scoring process, with the focus on its reliability and practicality.
- Price: 4.50 €
Ocenianie wypowiedzi pisemnej na egzaminie certyfikacyjnym z języka angielskiego (poziom B2) – analiza jakościowa wyników badania projakościowego
Ocenianie wypowiedzi pisemnej na egzaminie certyfikacyjnym z języka angielskiego (poziom B2) – analiza jakościowa wyników badania projakościowego
(Assessment of B2 writing subtest in the English certification exam: A qualitative analysis of pro-quality research results)
- Author(s):Jolanta Sujecka-Zając, Radosław Kucharczyk
- Language:English, Polish
- Subject(s):Language studies, Applied Linguistics, Studies of Literature, Polish Literature, Philology, British Literature
- Page Range:107-128
- No. of Pages:22
- Keywords:certification; Warsaw University; writing subtest; holistic assessment; analytical assessment
- Summary/Abstract:The aim of this paper is to reflect on the method of assessing the B2 English writing subtest in the context of English certification exams administered by the University of Warsaw Council for the Certification of Language Proficiency. The paper starts with a brief discussion of two types of assessment: holistic and analytical. Next, the results of a qualitative study conducted among the raters of the English language certification exams are presented. The aim of the study – of a pro-quality nature – was to determine which of the two types of assessment (analytical vs holistic) results in a more reliable and accurate assessment of candidates’ language skills.
- Price: 4.50 €
Introducing interactive speaking tasks to improve the construct coverage of a test: A welcome change for test users?
Introducing interactive speaking tasks to improve the construct coverage of a test: A welcome change for test users?
(Introducing interactive speaking tasks to improve the construct coverage of a test: A welcome change for test users?)
- Author(s):Monika Sobejko
- Language:English, Polish
- Subject(s):Language studies, Applied Linguistics, Studies of Literature, Polish Literature, Philology, British Literature
- Page Range:129-141
- No. of Pages:13
- Keywords:test construct; interactional competence; paired format; Conversation Analysis; test users’ perceptions
- Summary/Abstract:The paired format of a speaking test appears to offer a more interactionally symmetric alternative to traditionally used Oral Proficiency Interviews (OPIs) (e.g., Lazaraton, 1992, 1996; van Lier, 1989). This article focuses on two paired tasks, a simulated discussion and a problem-solving task, which have been developed to enhance the construct of the speaking test which is currently used at the Jagiellonian Language Centre at the Jagiellonian University.
- Price: 4.50 €
Cechy polszczyzny zadań wykorzystywanych w certyfikacji języka polskiego jako obcego
Cechy polszczyzny zadań wykorzystywanych w certyfikacji języka polskiego jako obcego
(Polish language used in the certification of Polish as a foreign language)
- Author(s):Agnieszka Karolczuk
- Language:English, Polish
- Subject(s):Language studies, Applied Linguistics, Studies of Literature, Polish Literature, Philology, British Literature
- Page Range:145-153
- No. of Pages:9
- Keywords:certification of language fluency; certification exams; language rule; variety of language forms
- Summary/Abstract:The paper is a description and analysis of some language features in the tasks used in certification exams of Polish. The problem with these features is connected with the two-level language rule in Polish, the variety of language forms and the type of language style.
- Price: 4.50 €
Certyfikacja biegłości języka włoskiego a potrzeby studentów szkół wyższych
Certyfikacja biegłości języka włoskiego a potrzeby studentów szkół wyższych
(Certification of Italian language proficiency and the needs of higher education students)
- Author(s):Marta Kaliska
- Language:English, Polish
- Subject(s):Language studies, Applied Linguistics, Studies of Literature, Polish Literature, Philology, British Literature
- Page Range:154-165
- No. of Pages:12
- Keywords:Italian language; certificate; language proficiency; Italian language policy; students’ needs
- Summary/Abstract:The present paper aims at presenting Italian language proficiency certificates offered by Italian universities and other institutions. A particular focus was put on such certification features which better address the university students’ needs.
- Price: 4.50 €
Z doświadczeń pracy nad układaniem testów z języka rosyjskiego na poziomach biegłości C1 i C2
Z doświadczeń pracy nad układaniem testów z języka rosyjskiego na poziomach biegłości C1 i C2
(On constructing Russian language tests at the C1 and C2 levels)
- Author(s):Barbara Walczak-Sroczyńska, Sergey Khvatov
- Language:English, Polish
- Subject(s):Language studies, Applied Linguistics, Studies of Literature, Polish Literature, Philology, British Literature
- Page Range:166-176
- No. of Pages:11
- Keywords:level of language proficiency; test task; communicative competence
- Summary/Abstract:The condition for obtaining a C1 and C2 language proficiency certificate is communicative competence approaching the level of the native speaker. When developing Russian language certification tests, one should take into account its typological, grammatical and historical-cultural features. These include the synthetic nature of expressing typical meanings, the inflective way of expressing grammatical meanings and weakly expressed regional and dialectal differences. One should also consider the modification of the listening comprehension tests at level C1.
- Price: 4.50 €
Konstruowanie egzaminów certyfikacyjnych z języka hebrajskiego – trudności i wyzwania
Konstruowanie egzaminów certyfikacyjnych z języka hebrajskiego – trudności i wyzwania
(Challenges and difficulties in constructing Hebrew certificate exams)
- Author(s):Angelika Adamczyk
- Language:English, Polish
- Subject(s):Language studies, Applied Linguistics, Studies of Literature, Polish Literature, Philology, British Literature
- Page Range:177-185
- No. of Pages:9
- Keywords:Hebrew language; certification; language assessment; language teaching methodology; small languages
- Summary/Abstract:This paper discusses difficulties associated with developing Hebrew certification exams and preparing students to pass the exam in accordance with the CEFR standards. These difficulties are mainly related to the discrepancy between the main assumptions of the Hebrew language teaching methodology in Israel and the requirements for foreign language courses and certification exams at the University of Warsaw.
- Price: 4.50 €
Formy grzecznościowe w konstruowaniu zadań testowych – analiza autorska na przykładzie języka tureckiego
Formy grzecznościowe w konstruowaniu zadań testowych – analiza autorska na przykładzie języka tureckiego
(Politeness forms in constructing test tasks: The author’s analysis based on the example of the Turkish language)
- Author(s):Kamila Barbara Stanek
- Language:English, Polish
- Subject(s):Language studies, Studies of Literature, Polish Literature, Philology, British Literature
- Page Range:186-200
- No. of Pages:14
- Keywords:certification exam; A2 level; multiple choice test; cultural aspect; courtesy words
- Summary/Abstract:One of the elements tested during an exam is the ability to interact in particular communication situations. This skill is not only based on understanding the senders’ message (i.e. words) and the context of the utterance (situation), but on the knowledge of the conventional typical answer. The Turkish language, which, like most oriental languages, has a very extensive system of polite expressions, forces its users to know about 100 standardized formulas.
- Price: 4.50 €
Czego spodziewać się po pracowniku z certyfikatem z języka biznesowego, czyli o kłopotach z testowaniem umiejętności językowych w kontekście zawodowym
Czego spodziewać się po pracowniku z certyfikatem z języka biznesowego, czyli o kłopotach z testowaniem umiejętności językowych w kontekście zawodowym
(What to expect from an employee with a business language certificate: Problems with testing language skills in a professional context)
- Author(s):Magdalena Sowa, Elżbieta Gajewska
- Language:English, Polish
- Subject(s):Language studies, Applied Linguistics, Studies of Literature, Polish Literature, Philology, British Literature
- Page Range:203-215
- No. of Pages:13
- Keywords:language for specific purposes; testing; language certificate; language levels; dual competence
- Summary/Abstract:A certificate in a foreign language is an important asset in the modern labour market: it certifies communication skills in a foreign language, although it does not guarantee the reliability of certified competences in specific professional situations. Certification of communication skills in the field of languages for specific purposes should include both assessment of language and professional skills, and thus certify the so-called learners’ dual competence. This paper aims to diagnose and discuss the real problems encountered in practice in the assessment of dual competences of learners of specialized languages.
- Price: 4.50 €
Oczekiwania wobec kompetencji językowych żołnierzy a certyfikacja ich biegłości – STANAG 6001
Oczekiwania wobec kompetencji językowych żołnierzy a certyfikacja ich biegłości – STANAG 6001
(Expectations of soldiers’ language competence versus the certification of their language proficiency – STANAG 6001)
- Author(s):Anna Iwanowska
- Language:English, Polish
- Subject(s):Language studies, Applied Linguistics, Studies of Literature, Polish Literature, Philology, British Literature
- Page Range:216-227
- No. of Pages:12
- Keywords:military language; STANAG 6001; standards; certification; Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning; teaching; assessment; Polish Armed Forces; Polish General Staff
- Summary/Abstract:This paper discusses the specificity of the certification of specialized language varieties. The subject of the analysis and reflection is the certification of proficiency in military language according to the STANAG 6001 standards. The paper reviews detailed requirements for the individual linguistic skills, as well as the nature and the design of the exam along with the examples of the tasks for each proficiency level. Th e discussion is supplemented with teaching implications relevant specifically for the STANAG 6001 exams.
- Price: 4.50 €
Exploiting CEFR descriptors in developing pre-service teachers’ language assessment literacy (Ukrainian context)
Exploiting CEFR descriptors in developing pre-service teachers’ language assessment literacy (Ukrainian context)
(Exploiting CEFR descriptors in developing pre-service teachers’ language assessment literacy (Ukrainian context))
- Author(s):Olga Ukrayinska
- Language:English, Polish
- Subject(s):Language studies, Applied Linguistics, Studies of Literature, Polish Literature, Philology, British Literature
- Page Range:231-243
- No. of Pages:13
- Keywords:CEFR descriptors; language assessment literacy; pre-service FL teachers in Ukraine
- Summary/Abstract:Teachers and researchers of foreign languages have been concerned about integrating CEFR descriptors into teaching and assessment practices for some time now. Due to its reference nature, the CEFR is open for interpretation and its use therefore requires initial training. The chapter presents the theoretical background to such training and sample activities used to help Ukrainian pre-service FL teachers to operationalize the CEFR.
- Price: 4.50 €
(Nie)uczciwość akademicka polskich studentów a poświadczanie kwalifikacji
(Nie)uczciwość akademicka polskich studentów a poświadczanie kwalifikacji
(Academic (dis)honesty of Polish students and the certification of their competence)
- Author(s):Agnieszka M. Sendur
- Language:English, Polish
- Subject(s):Language studies, Applied Linguistics, Studies of Literature, Polish Literature, Philology, British Literature
- Page Range:244-266
- No. of Pages:23
- Keywords:academic integrity; examinations; testing; cheating; certificates
- Summary/Abstract:Examination malpractice is claimed to be a problem in Polish schools and universities. What is the actual scale of academic dishonesty among Polish higher education students and what seems to be its causes? What kind of actions do Polish students consider dishonest and which of them are not assigned to this category? The article describes a survey on academic integrity conducted at Polish higher education institutions and presents conclusions relevant to certification purposes.
- Price: 4.50 €
