ERIC Number: EJ1309227
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1916-4742
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
The Development of STEP, the CEFR-Based English Proficiency Test
Sridhanyarat, Kietnawin; Pathong, Supakarn; Suranakkharin, Todsapon; Ammaralikit, Amornrat
English Language Teaching, v14 n7 p95-106 2021
This study aimed at developing the Silpakorn Test of English Proficiency (STEP), in alignment with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), and in accordance with the theoretical framework established by Alderson et al. (2006). Four major steps were involved in the test construction. First, English language lecturers who served as content specialists were asked to design can-do statements presented in the CEFR. Then the specialists designed the test specification based on the can-do statements. Four skill areas: listening, semi-speaking, reading, and semi-writing were targeted as the test construct. At this juncture, the content specialists were required to write test items in accordance with the test specification. Next, the test items constructed were determined for their validity and reliability. Finally, a standard setting was carried out. The results demonstrated that the framework offered by Alderson et al. (2006) served as an effective reference document for developing the STEP. In terms of validity and reliability, the STEP was of statistical significance, that is, it could be aligned with the CEFR levels and measure test takers' English proficiency at a specific CEFR level. The current findings provide useful insights for test developers or researchers who wish to design proficiency tests in alignment with the CEFR.
Descriptors: Language Tests, Language Proficiency, Second Language Learning, Second Language Instruction, English (Second Language), Guidelines, Rating Scales, Language Teachers, Teacher Attitudes, Specialists, Test Items, Test Validity, Test Reliability, Standard Setting, Alignment (Education), Test Construction, Foreign Countries
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
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Language: English
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Identifiers - Location: Europe; Thailand
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