English Teachers' Perceptions of a Language Assessment Literacy Course

Main Article Content

Frank Giraldo
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5221-8245
Daniela Escalante-Villa
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2317-1174
Daniela Isaza-Palacio
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4620-7272

Abstract

Language assessment literacy has gained recent attention in the field of language testing, particularly on teachers’ profile. However, the literature on LAL is limited regarding teachers’ perceptions of language assessment courses. In this paper, we used a case study method to characterize the perceptions of eighteen English language teachers into three components of an online assessment course: contents, activities, and impact on their professional development. For data collection, we used a questionnaire and a focus group interview. Findings indicate that the teachers perceived course contents as organized, relevant, and useful; they also considered test analysis and collaborative tasks as valuable. Regarding professional development, the teachers explained that test-analysis tasks made them aware of their mistakes in assessment. Finally, the teachers suggested that the course raised their awareness of what language assessment is and does. Based on these results, we provide recommendations for LAL courses elsewhere.

Article Details

How to Cite
Giraldo, F., Escalante-Villa, D., & Isaza-Palacio, D. (2023). English Teachers’ Perceptions of a Language Assessment Literacy Course. HOW, 30(2), 70–91. https://doi.org/10.19183/how.30.2.750
Section
Research Reports
Author Biographies

Frank Giraldo, Universidad de Caldas

He holds an MA in English Didactics from Universidad de Caldas (Colombia), and an MA in TESOL from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (The USA). His research interests include the interface between language assessment literacy and teachers’ professional development

Daniela Escalante-Villa, Universidad Católica de Manizales

She holds a BA in Modern Languages from Universidad de Caldas (Colombia).

Daniela Isaza-Palacio, Centro Colombo Americano Manizales

She holds a BA in Modern Languages from Universidad de Caldas (Colombia).

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