Module 1: Introduction
Scenario - Business

Akil works for an international consulting firm that has contacts all over the world.  He is in charge of selecting a language test to administer to all current and future employees to assess their oral language abilities in any of the languages they will speak on the job.  The results of the test may influence potential hiring decisions as well as salary levels.  All test-takers are native English speakers, 22 years old, and have a college degree.

Get out a sheet of paper and brainstorm one example each for how the following terms will influence what language test Akil should choose:

 

validity  
reliability  
practicality  
impact  

 

When you're done brainstorming, roll your mouse over the picture of Akil to compare your answers.

 

 

 

 

 


Positive Washback

Does your company offer language classes as well as tests?  An effort to focus instruction on oral skills will help your students show how well they can speak on a test that measures oral proficiency.  This will help them perform well on the test and gain valuable language skills.