Abstract:

Computer adaptive language testing (CALT) is a relatively new computer based testing approach which offers substantial advantages such as 1) the ability for examinees to pace themselves, the ability 2) to individualize tests, 3) to make tests shorter, 4) to promote a more positive attitude toward tests, 5) to report test results immediately, 6) to measure tests with precision, and 7) to improve test security. CALT tailors tests to the student's level of language ability. The item sequencing of CALT is based on a continuum of difficulty; items are calibrated according to their difficulty index. CALT tests are administered according to pre-established indexes of increment and decrement. However, CALT cannot test the multidimensional nature of language, and as such it fails to fit and to assess its communicative and functional nature. This article proposes to replace multiple choice and cloze formats and to apply the potential of CALT to live-action simulations. With adaptive live-action simulations, students could be assessed on their ability to function in situations that would adapt to the examinee's level of proficiency. With this in mind, computer adaptive task based language assessment could very well be the next generation of CALT.

Author: Lydie E. Meunier