AERC Hosts: Sarah Hughes & Ellen Barrow "Evolving High Stakes English Language Tests: Engaging Stakeholders in Research and Development"
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Abstract:
High stakes English language tests must continually evolve to remain relevant and useful to both test takers and score users, such as academic institutions, governments, and professional organisations. This session will describe research into potential revisions to a global high stakes English language test, including outcomes from field testing, test taker surveys and interviews, and findings from score concordance and standards research. This programme of research was designed to not only validate potential revisions to the test, but also to understand how these revisions would impact test takers and score users, and to develop resources to support them. While evolution is necessary in language testing, it is imperative for testing organisations to thoughtfully and responsibly support test takers and score users in times of transition. This session will demonstrate how testing organisations can incorporate stakeholder perspectives in research and development activities to ensure their views are represented and their needs are supported when considering potential changes to highly consequential English language tests.
RSVP: AERC-info@unimelb.edu.au
| Time | 12:00-1:00 pm AEST |
| Date | Thursday, 4 September 2025 |
| Location | Faculty of Education, Level 8 Meeting Room (814-815), 100 Leicester Street, Carlton Victoria 3053 (or join via Zoom https://go.unimelb.edu.au/wo9p Password: 901115) |
Bio:
Sarah Hughes is the Director of Assessment Research and Validity for Pearson Tests of English. She leads research into the validity, reliability, and potential for innovation in Pearson’s English language tests, including a focus on the use of explainable artificial intelligence techniques and validity in automated assessment scoring systems.
Ellen Barrow is a Senior Researcher within the PTE Assessment Research and Validity team, undertaking research studies on a range of PTE test validity related areas with a particular focus on test-taker experiences.
