The semi-direct speaking test format has limitations, particularly due to its lack of situational authenticity and contextualized input. To address this issue, virtual reality (VR) can be integrated into speaking proficiency tests to enhance authenticity. In this study, a newly designed VR speaking test was administered, and test-takers'…

Considering the undeniable importance of examining the role of domain- and skill-specific individual difference factors in second-language (L2) writing research, this study examined the possible roles of English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) learners' ideal L2 writing self and growth L2 writing mindset in their L2 writing grit, which may in turn…

Dynamic assessment (DA), based on Vygotsky's Sociocultural Theory, integrates instruction and assessment into a single activity through interactive dialog between the mediator and learner to promote development. This research utilized the interactionist DA to assess and enhance five types of listening inferential abilities of Chinese EFL learners.…

Many educational and language scholars in the field have remarked the need to strengthen assessment and testing academic courses in the undergraduate teacher education programs, more specifically in highlighting the importance of language assessment literacy (LAL). With several findings indicating insufficient or impractical assessment components…

The current study identifies and analyzes, through metaphor analysis, the conceptualizations and beliefs preservice teachers of English hold about three different dimensions of the language assessment process: teachers, students, and assessment itself. Forty-nine preservice teachers from the second to the fifth year of their English Teaching…

The present study explored the comparability in performance scores between the computer-delivered and face-to-face modes for the two speaking tests in the Vietnamese Standardized Test of English Proficiency (VSTEP) (the VSTEP.2 and VSTEP.3-5 Speaking tests) according to Vietnam's Six-Level Foreign Language Proficiency Framework (VNFLPF) and test…

With the increased popularity of English-medium instruction (EMI) in higher education, many East Asian universities are using international English proficiency tests to make admissions and placement decisions. Since these tests were not originally designed for the EMI contexts, validity evidence is needed to support the use of these tests in this…

Pre-service teachers' ability to construct and conduct assessment has been a point of emphasis for decades, and rightfully so. It is crucial that they acquire the necessary knowledge and abilities in their language assessment course during their pre-service teacher education to effectively assess students in their future professional routines. The…

Vocabulary learning strategies have been frequently viewed as a practical tool to facilitate the acquisition of words and enhance comprehension and production in communication. Previous research suggests that vocabulary learning strategies are a multidimensional construct. This study attempts to validate a vocabulary learning strategies…

Studies on washback of not only international standardized proficiency tests, but also localized high-stakes tests have been increasingly attracting considerable interest. The current study explores the washback effects of a Vietnam-made localized English proficiency test named "Vietnamese Standardized Test of English Proficiency, level…

Research has postulated a link between teachers' beliefs and agentic decisions. This study sought to investigate 215 Iranian EFL preservice teachers' conceptions of assessment, assessment agency, and the interrelationship between these two constructs. Using structural equation modeling, the results revealed that collaboration and reflection…

The lack of comprehensive language proficiency assessment models recognizing the nonlinearity and dynamicity of individual differences, as well as the fundamental differences between paper- and computer-assisted language assessments (CALA) served as the rationale to conduct the present study. Drawing on dynamic systems theory, a Nonlinear Dynamic…

Despite scholars' advocacy of intelligibility over nativelikeness in the EFL education context, many learners still seem to favour standard British and American accents. However, comparisons across studies have shown some changes in learners' perceptions, suggesting a move away from standard accent orientation. This article reports part of a…

Background: This study investigated the scoring and criterion-related validity of the TEAP, a newly developed Test of English for Academic Purposes. In this study, scoring validity was examined by investigating the factor structure, while criterion-related validity was examined by first investigating the longitudinal change of test takers'…

This study addressed a gap in existing research on Multiple-Choice (MC) cloze tests by focusing on the learners' perspective, specifically examining the difficulties faced by vocational high school students (VHSs). A nationwide sample of 293 VHSs participated, providing both quantitative and qualitative data through a self-developed questionnaire.…