Language Assessment: Current Trends, Future Challenges by Luke Harding

Abstract:
In this talk, I discuss four current trends in language testing and assessment research that have become more prominent over the past ten years: (1) the increasing use of digital technology in different areas of language assessment practice; (2) a shift in orientation away from “one-shot” exams towards connecting assessment with theories of learning; (3) a recognition of complexity and non-linearity in trajectories of second language development; and (4) a growing awareness of the challenges of language assessment in linguistically diverse contexts. I will describe the nature of these trends and, on this basis, make some tentative predications for future challenges in the field. Finally, I will discuss the ways in which current conceptualisations of language assessment literacy will need to shift in response to these challenges, and I will argue that socially-responsible language assessment in the future will require close consultation with, and the involvement of, test-takers/learners themselves.
About the Speaker:
Luke Harding is a Professor in Linguistics and English Language at Lancaster University (UK). His research interests are in language assessment and applied linguistics more broadly, particularly listening assessment, pronunciation and intelligibility, language assessment literacy, and World Englishes and English as a Lingua Franca. His research has been published in journals such as Applied Linguistics, Assessing Writing, Language Assessment Quarterly and Language Testing. Luke is currently co-editor of the journal Language Testing