Module Directory

This module examines key principles and practices of language testing and assessment across a range of educational contexts. Students explore the purposes, uses, and consequences of assessment, including formative and summative approaches, classroom-based assessment, and high-stakes testing. The module introduces fundamental concepts such as validity, reliability, fairness, and washback effect, and considers how these principles inform the design, evaluation, and use of language assessments.

The module adopts a practice-oriented approach, enabling students to critically evaluate existing language tests and to design assessment tasks appropriate to specific teaching and learning contexts. Attention is also given to ethical considerations, the social impact of assessment, and the role of feedback in supporting learning, including the use of technology in contemporary assessment practices.

The aims of this module are:

• To introduce key concepts, principles, and debates in language testing and assessment


• To develop students’ understanding of how language skills and sub-skills are assessed in different contexts


• To enable students to critically evaluate a range of language tests and assessment practices


• To develop practical skills in designing assessment tasks informed by principles of validity, reliability, and fairness


• To encourage critical awareness of the social, ethical, and educational implications of language assessment

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:

• Demonstrate a systematic understanding of key concepts and principles in language testing and assessment


• Critically evaluate different types of language tests and assessment practices across educational contexts and purposes


• Design language assessment tasks that are aligned with learning outcomes and informed by principles of validity, reliability, and fairness


• Analyse the role of feedback and assessment in supporting language learning


• Reflect critically on the ethical and social dimensions of language testing and assessment

Syllabus Information

Indicative topics include:

• Purposes and types of language assessment


• Historical perspectives on language testing


• Validity, reliability, and other key quality concepts


• Ethical and social dimensions of language testing


• Formative, summative, and assessment-for-learning approaches


• Assessing reading, writing, listening, and speaking


• Task design, rating scales, and scoring system


• Technology and innovation in language assessment


• Evaluating standardised and locally developed assessments

This module is delivered primarily through asynchronous online learning organised on a weekly basis. Students engage with pre-recorded lectures, guided readings, and structured learning activities that support the progressive development of knowledge and understanding. Weekly moderated online discussions encourage engagement with key concepts and provide opportunities to apply theoretical perspectives to a range of language education contexts.

Three scheduled two-hour synchronous sessions provide opportunities for academic interaction, clarification of key concepts, and collaborative discussion with peers and teaching staff. Two optional online drop-in sessions offer additional academic guidance and support.

Teaching and learning methods are designed to be inclusive and accessible. Learning materials are provided in accessible digital formats where possible (for example captioned recordings and screen-reader-friendly documents), and the asynchronous structure supports flexible participation for students studying in different professional and geographical contexts. Activities do not assume prior teaching experience and are suitable for students from diverse educational and professional backgrounds.

Students are encouraged to discuss any access requirements with the module convenor, and reasonable adjustments will be made in line with university policy.