Implementing NETPAW's diagnostic test of English proficiency in Australia: a case study Keynote speaker

摘要

This research is a small case study that explores the application of the National English Test in Proficiency for All on the Web (NETPAW) with international tertiary level students in Australia. It reports the results of three students’ use of the tests of listening and reading and their opinion in the light of their previous English proficiency testing experiences. While small scale and exploratory it represents the first step towards the design of a larger study that will investigate both the usefulness of NETPAW for testing the knowledge and proficiency of a wider group of candidates who may wish to take advantage of being able to take a test of English proficiency online and also the views of educators who have a stake in being able to assess their students’ English and collect diagnostic data to improve students’ learning and their pedagogical approach. NETPAW is considered in terms of perceived interactiveness, practicality, authenticity and validity (Bachman & Palmer, 2000) within the limitations of the exploratory nature of the study. The diagnostic nature of the test is explored through comparison with relevant aspects of a similar diagnostic test of English as a second language focusing on skill/item demands. All-in-all it was concluded that NETPAW offers a valuable alternative that is user-friendly through its availability online and its interactive assessment experiences. It has potentially multiple uses and international applicability for English language assessment and the teaching of English. This includes its diagnostic application. The fact that the NETPAW levels relate to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching and Assessment that describes learner proficiency at each level within a hierarchy for European languages is a further advantage since this assists in making links between NETPAW levels and other ESL/EFL scales and assessments.