Trust, fairness and positive impact: expert views on where language assessment is heading

In a dynamic panel discussion at this year’s ICEF Monitor Global Summit in London, language assessment experts, from three English language testing providers, shared their perspectives on ways in which language assessment can shape student outcomes, its impact on employability, and where we might be headed in the near future. Insights from Bronagh Rolph (Head of Assessment, Higher Education and Adult at Cambridge English), Cathy Jones (Assessment Development Specialist at PeopleCert) and James Carmichael (Country Manager, UK and Ireland at Pearson) touched on key issues surrounding fairness, real-world preparedness, and the future of language testing.

1. Ensuring Fairness in Language Assessment

James addressed the challenge of ‘fairness’ in testing by emphasizing the use of AI in the marking of writing and speaking exams, which he claimed helps to eliminate human bias and reduces the stress that test takers often experience, particularly when speaking directly to an examiner. Cathy suggested that AI, or AI alone, is not necessarily the answer, and for some test takers, being assessed by AI can be more stressful than speaking to a human. She noted that bias can be minimized through the use of multiple human markers, and Bronagh added that robust examiner training, along with extensive pre-testing of test items, is also a proven way of maintaining fairness and eliminating bias.

2. The Real-Life Relevance of Language Testing

When asked how language tests can prepare students for the real world, Cathy explained that good test design goes beyond academic assessment of skills such as essay writing. Well-designed tests will also focus on equipping students with the skills needed not only to survive but to thrive in everyday life. Bronagh reinforced this idea, highlighting Cambridge's commitment to the communicative approach, where all test content is grounded in real-world scenarios. For example, assessing not just fluency in spoken English but also important skills like mediation, which are crucial in real-life interactions.

3. Language Testing for Employability and Career Progression

Cathy noted that learning a language inherently fosters identity and empathy, qualities that naturally appeal to employers. Bronagh also pointed out the value of modular testing for employers, which allows them to assess specific skills relevant to the job at hand. For instance, certain roles may require proficiency only in speaking and listening, with reading and writing being less critical. The real-world example of Air France was cited, an organisation that uses Cambridge’s Linguaskill test to get a fast, robust and reliable assessment of job applicants’ English language skills as part of the recruitment process.? These types of modular, digital tests are also frequently used for assessment within organisations, supporting career advancement in a wide variety of industries.

5. The Evolution of Language Assessment

All three panellists agreed that remote proctoring is rapidly gaining prominence, making it possible for lower-stakes tests to be taken outside of traditional testing centres. Digital innovations are also expediting the marking process and delivering faster results. Modularity allows for the testing of skills that are most relevant for either academic or employability purposes. Bronagh highlighted recent developments like "my best score" and "IELTS one skill retake," which allow test takers to improve their score in a single skill without having to retake the entire test. The conversation then turned to trust, and James emphasized that trust in testing organizations is built over a long period of time. To maintain this trust, established assessment providers will continue investing in important areas such as test security and reliability.

6. The Future of Language Assessment

Cathy predicted that assessing verbal skills, particularly oracy, will become increasingly important, especially with the rise of AI. In academic settings, the ability to verbally defend one's work may become an even more critical skill. Bronagh looked ahead to a future where assessment is seamlessly integrated with learning itself. Referring to ‘The Futures of Assessments’ report from Cambridge, created in collaboration with DEFI (Digital Education Futures Initiative), she suggested that assessments will evolve to have a positive, ongoing impact on the learning process, helping learners to flourish in an ever-changing world.

We look forward to continuing the conversation on the future of language assessment at ICEF Digital Berlin in November 2024.