Research Article
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Exploring Language Assessment Knowledge of In-Service English Language Teachers in K-12 Context

Year 2023, Volume: 5 Issue: 2, 610 - 627, 28.12.2023

Gamze Satgun Asuman Aşık

https://doi.org/10.51535/tell.1321423

Abstract

Language Assessment Literacy (LAL) is recognized as a crucial literacy skill that English language teachers should continually enhance. More research is needed to investigate the levels of LAL and Language Assessment Knowledge (LAK) of language teachers in a variety of different contexts. Notably, there is a scarcity of studies within the K-12 contexts in the existing literature. In response to this gap, the present study delves into the LAL levels of in-service English teachers within the K-12 educational context in Türkiye. The data were collected with the Language Assessment Knowledge Scale (LAKS) from 202 in-service English teachers working at primary, middle, and high school levels. The results of the analyses revealed that the teachers’ LAK in general was notably high. The teachers’ knowledge level in assessing reading and speaking was significantly high while they had significantly lower levels of knowledge in assessing writing and listening. Regarding the effect of the demographic factors on LAK, no significant difference was found. Based on the results, pedagogical implications are made for the teachers and policy makers.

Keywords

English language teachers language assessment literacy language assessment knowledge

References

  • Arslan, R. Ş., & Üçok-Atasoy, M. (2020). An investigation into EFL teachers’ assessment of young learners of English: Does practice match the policy? International Online Journal of Education and Teaching (IOJET), 7(2), 468-484.
  • Ballıdağ, S., & İnan-Karagül, B. (2021). Exploring the language assessment literacy of Turkish in-service EFL teachers. Balıkesir University the Journal of Social Sciences Institute, 24(45), 73-92. https://doi.org/10.31795/baunsobed.909953
  • Büyükkarcı, K. (2014). Assessment beliefs and practices of language teachers in primary education. International Journal of Instruction, 7(1), 107-120.
  • Büyükkarcı, K. (2016). Identifying the areas for English language teacher development: A study of assessment literacy. Pegem Eğitim ve Öğretim Dergisi, 6(3), 333-346. https://doi.org/10.14527/pegegog.2016.017
  • Coombe, C., Troudi, S., & Al-Hamly, M. (2012). Foreign and second language teacher assessment literacy: Issues, challenges and recommendations. In C. Coombe, P. Davidson, B. O’Sullivan, & S. Stoynoff (Eds.), The Cambridge guide to second language assessment (pp. 20-29). Cambridge University.
  • Coombe, C., Vafadar, H., & Mohebbi, H. (2020). Language assessment literacy: What do we need to learn, unlearn, and relearn? Language Testing in Asia, 10(3), 1-16. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40468-020-00101-6
  • Farhady, H., & Tavassoli, K. (2018). Developing a language assessment knowledge test for EFL teachers: A data-driven approach. Iranian Journal of Language Teaching Research, 6(3), 79-94. https://doi.org/10.30466/IJLTR.2018.120602
  • Fraenkel, J.R., Wallen, N.E., & Hyun, H.H. (2012). How to design and evaluate research in education. (8th ed.). Mc Graw Hill.
  • Fulcher, G. (2012). Assessment literacy for the language classroom. Language Assessment Quarterly, 9(2), 113-132. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15434303.2011.642041
  • Genç, E., Çalışkan, H., & Yüksel, D. (2020). Language assessment literacy level of EFL teachers: A focus on writing and speaking assessment knowledge of the teachers. Sakarya University Journal of Education, 10(2), 274-291. doi: https://doi.org/10.19126/suje.626156.
  • Giraldo, F. (2021). A reflection on initiatives for teachers’ professional development through language assessment literacy. Profile: Issues in Teachers’ Professional Development, 23(1), 197-213. https://doi.org/10.15446/profile.v23n1.83094
  • Hakim, B. (2015). English language teachers’ ideology of ELT assessment literacy. International Journal of Education & Literacy Studies, 3(4), 42-48. https://doi.org/10.7575/aiac.ijels.v.3n.4p.42
  • Herrera, L., & Macias, D. (2015). A call for language assessment literacy in the education and development of teachers of English as a foreign language. Colombian Applied Linguistics Journal, 17(2), 302-312. https://doi.org/10.14483/udistrital.jour.calj.2015.2.a09
  • Hinton, P.R., McMurray, I., & Brownlow, C. (2014). SPSS explained (2nd ed.). Routledge. Inbar-Lourie, O. (2008). Constructing a language assessment knowledge base: A focus on language assessment courses. Language Testing, 25(3), 385-402. https://doi.org/10.1177/0265532208090158
  • Inbar-Lourie, O. (2013). Guest Editorial to the special issue on language assessment literacy. Language Testing, 30(3), 301-307. https://doi.org/10.1177/0265532213480126
  • Işık, A. (2021). Exploring how ELT teachers perceive and practice English language assessment. Journal of Language and Education, 7(1), 109-126. https://doi.org/10.17323/jle.2021.10296
  • İnan-Karagül, B., Yüksel, D., & Altay, M. (2017). Assessment and grading practices of EFL teachers in Turkey. International Journal of Language Academy, 5(5), 168-174. https://doi.org/10.18033/ijla.3656
  • Jannati, S. (2015). ELT teachers’ language assessment literacy: Perceptions and practices. The International Journal of Research in Teachers Education, 6(2), 26-37.
  • Kırkgöz, Y., Babanoğlu, M. P., & Ağçam, R. (2017). Turkish EFL teachers’ perceptions and practices of foreign language assessment in primary education. Journal of Education and e-Learning Research, 4(4), 163-170. https://doi.org/10.20448/journal.509.2017.44.163.170
  • Lam, R. (2014). Language assessment training in Hong Kong: Implications for language assessment literacy. Language Testing, 32(2), 169-197. https://doi.org/10.1177/0265532214554321
  • Mede, E., & Atay, D. (2017). English language teachers’ assessment literacy: The Turkish context. Dil Dergisi-Ankara Üniversitesi TOMER [Language Journal-Ankara University TOMER], 167(1), 43-60.
  • Muhammad, F. H. N., & Bardakçı, M. (2019). Iraqi EFL teachers’ assessment literacy: Perceptions and practices. Arab World English Journal (AWEJ), 10(2), 431-442. https://doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol10no2.33
  • Ölmezer-Öztürk, E., & Aydın, B. (2018). Toward measuring language teachers’ assessment knowledge: Development and validation of language assessment knowledge scale (LAKS). Language Testing in Asia, 8(20), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40468-018-0075-2
  • Ölmezer-Öztürk, E., & Aydın, B. (2019). Investigating language assessment knowledge of EFL teachers. Hacettepe University Journal of Education, 34(3), 602-620. https://doi.org/10.16986/HUJE.2018043465
  • Önalan, O., & Gürsoy, E. (2020). Primary and secondary level EFL teachers’ use of assessment and assessment results in Turkey. i-managers’ Journal on English Language Teaching, 10(3), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.26634/jelt.10.3.16387
  • Öz, S., & Atay, D. (2017). Turkish EFL instructors’ in-class language assessment literacy: Perceptions and practices. ELT Research Journal, 6(1), 25-44.
  • Plake, B. S. (1993). Teacher assessment literacy: Teachers’ competencies in the educational assessment of students. Mid-Western Educational Researcher, 6(1), 21-24.
  • Popham, W. J. (2009). Assessment literacy for teachers: Faddish or fundamental? Theory into Practice, 48(1), 4-11. https://doi.org/10.1080/00405840802577536
  • Popham, W. J. (2011). Assessment literacy overlooked: A teacher educator’s confession. The Teacher Educator, 46(4), 265-273. https://doi.org/10.1080/08878730.2011.605048
  • Rea-Dickins, P. (2004). Understanding teachers as agents of assessment. Language Testing, 21(3), 249-258. https://doi.org/10.1191=0265532204lt283ed
  • Rogier, D. (2014). Assessment literacy: Building a base for better teaching and learning. English Language Teaching Forum, 52(3), 2-13.
  • Stabler-Havener, M. L. (2018). Defining, conceptualizing, problematizing, and assessing language teacher assessment literacy. Working Papers in Applied Linguistics & TESOL, 18(1), 1-22.
  • Stiggins, R. J. (1991). Assessment literacy. Phi Delta Kappan, 72(7), 534-539.
  • Tanyer, S., & Susoy, Z. (2018). Assessment of young language learners: Perceptions and practices of Turkish EFL pre-service and in-service teachers. The Journal of Language Teaching and Learning, 8(2), 127-149.
  • Tavassoli, K., & Farhady, H. (2018). Assessment knowledge needs of EFL teachers. Teaching English Language, 12(2), 45-65.
  • Taylor, L. (2009). Developing assessment literacy. Annual Review of Applied Linguistics, 29, 21-36. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0267190509090035
  • Tsagari, D. (2020). Language assessment literacy: Concepts, challenges, and prospects. In S. Hidri (Ed.), Perspectives on language assessment literacy: Challenges for improved students learning (pp. 13-32). Routledge.
  • Tuzcu-Eken, D. (2016). Testing in English classes in vocational schools of higher education. Electronic Journal of Vocational Colleges, 6(1), 38-47.
  • Vogt, K., & Tsagari, D. (2014). Assessment literacy of foreign language teachers: Findings of a European study. Language Assessment Quarterly, 11(4), 374-402. https://doi.org/10.1080/15434303.2014.960046
  • Xu, Y., & Brown, G. T. L. (2016). Teacher assessment literacy in practice: A reconceptualization. Teaching and Teacher Education, 58, 149-162. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2016.05.010
  • Xu, Y., & Brown, G. T. L. (2017). University English teacher assessment literacy: A survey-test report from China. Papers in Language Testing and Assessment, 6(1), 133-158. https://doi.org/10.58379/UZON5145
  • Yan, X., Zhang, C., & Fan, J. J. (2018). “Assessment knowledge is important, but …”: How contextual and experiential factors mediate assessment practice and training needs of language teachers. System, 74, 158-168. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2018.03.003

Year 2023, Volume: 5 Issue: 2, 610 - 627, 28.12.2023

Gamze Satgun Asuman Aşık

https://doi.org/10.51535/tell.1321423

Abstract

References

  • Arslan, R. Ş., & Üçok-Atasoy, M. (2020). An investigation into EFL teachers’ assessment of young learners of English: Does practice match the policy? International Online Journal of Education and Teaching (IOJET), 7(2), 468-484.
  • Ballıdağ, S., & İnan-Karagül, B. (2021). Exploring the language assessment literacy of Turkish in-service EFL teachers. Balıkesir University the Journal of Social Sciences Institute, 24(45), 73-92. https://doi.org/10.31795/baunsobed.909953
  • Büyükkarcı, K. (2014). Assessment beliefs and practices of language teachers in primary education. International Journal of Instruction, 7(1), 107-120.
  • Büyükkarcı, K. (2016). Identifying the areas for English language teacher development: A study of assessment literacy. Pegem Eğitim ve Öğretim Dergisi, 6(3), 333-346. https://doi.org/10.14527/pegegog.2016.017
  • Coombe, C., Troudi, S., & Al-Hamly, M. (2012). Foreign and second language teacher assessment literacy: Issues, challenges and recommendations. In C. Coombe, P. Davidson, B. O’Sullivan, & S. Stoynoff (Eds.), The Cambridge guide to second language assessment (pp. 20-29). Cambridge University.
  • Coombe, C., Vafadar, H., & Mohebbi, H. (2020). Language assessment literacy: What do we need to learn, unlearn, and relearn? Language Testing in Asia, 10(3), 1-16. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40468-020-00101-6
  • Farhady, H., & Tavassoli, K. (2018). Developing a language assessment knowledge test for EFL teachers: A data-driven approach. Iranian Journal of Language Teaching Research, 6(3), 79-94. https://doi.org/10.30466/IJLTR.2018.120602
  • Fraenkel, J.R., Wallen, N.E., & Hyun, H.H. (2012). How to design and evaluate research in education. (8th ed.). Mc Graw Hill.
  • Fulcher, G. (2012). Assessment literacy for the language classroom. Language Assessment Quarterly, 9(2), 113-132. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15434303.2011.642041
  • Genç, E., Çalışkan, H., & Yüksel, D. (2020). Language assessment literacy level of EFL teachers: A focus on writing and speaking assessment knowledge of the teachers. Sakarya University Journal of Education, 10(2), 274-291. doi: https://doi.org/10.19126/suje.626156.
  • Giraldo, F. (2021). A reflection on initiatives for teachers’ professional development through language assessment literacy. Profile: Issues in Teachers’ Professional Development, 23(1), 197-213. https://doi.org/10.15446/profile.v23n1.83094
  • Hakim, B. (2015). English language teachers’ ideology of ELT assessment literacy. International Journal of Education & Literacy Studies, 3(4), 42-48. https://doi.org/10.7575/aiac.ijels.v.3n.4p.42
  • Herrera, L., & Macias, D. (2015). A call for language assessment literacy in the education and development of teachers of English as a foreign language. Colombian Applied Linguistics Journal, 17(2), 302-312. https://doi.org/10.14483/udistrital.jour.calj.2015.2.a09
  • Hinton, P.R., McMurray, I., & Brownlow, C. (2014). SPSS explained (2nd ed.). Routledge. Inbar-Lourie, O. (2008). Constructing a language assessment knowledge base: A focus on language assessment courses. Language Testing, 25(3), 385-402. https://doi.org/10.1177/0265532208090158
  • Inbar-Lourie, O. (2013). Guest Editorial to the special issue on language assessment literacy. Language Testing, 30(3), 301-307. https://doi.org/10.1177/0265532213480126
  • Işık, A. (2021). Exploring how ELT teachers perceive and practice English language assessment. Journal of Language and Education, 7(1), 109-126. https://doi.org/10.17323/jle.2021.10296
  • İnan-Karagül, B., Yüksel, D., & Altay, M. (2017). Assessment and grading practices of EFL teachers in Turkey. International Journal of Language Academy, 5(5), 168-174. https://doi.org/10.18033/ijla.3656
  • Jannati, S. (2015). ELT teachers’ language assessment literacy: Perceptions and practices. The International Journal of Research in Teachers Education, 6(2), 26-37.
  • Kırkgöz, Y., Babanoğlu, M. P., & Ağçam, R. (2017). Turkish EFL teachers’ perceptions and practices of foreign language assessment in primary education. Journal of Education and e-Learning Research, 4(4), 163-170. https://doi.org/10.20448/journal.509.2017.44.163.170
  • Lam, R. (2014). Language assessment training in Hong Kong: Implications for language assessment literacy. Language Testing, 32(2), 169-197. https://doi.org/10.1177/0265532214554321
  • Mede, E., & Atay, D. (2017). English language teachers’ assessment literacy: The Turkish context. Dil Dergisi-Ankara Üniversitesi TOMER [Language Journal-Ankara University TOMER], 167(1), 43-60.
  • Muhammad, F. H. N., & Bardakçı, M. (2019). Iraqi EFL teachers’ assessment literacy: Perceptions and practices. Arab World English Journal (AWEJ), 10(2), 431-442. https://doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol10no2.33
  • Ölmezer-Öztürk, E., & Aydın, B. (2018). Toward measuring language teachers’ assessment knowledge: Development and validation of language assessment knowledge scale (LAKS). Language Testing in Asia, 8(20), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40468-018-0075-2
  • Ölmezer-Öztürk, E., & Aydın, B. (2019). Investigating language assessment knowledge of EFL teachers. Hacettepe University Journal of Education, 34(3), 602-620. https://doi.org/10.16986/HUJE.2018043465
  • Önalan, O., & Gürsoy, E. (2020). Primary and secondary level EFL teachers’ use of assessment and assessment results in Turkey. i-managers’ Journal on English Language Teaching, 10(3), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.26634/jelt.10.3.16387
  • Öz, S., & Atay, D. (2017). Turkish EFL instructors’ in-class language assessment literacy: Perceptions and practices. ELT Research Journal, 6(1), 25-44.
  • Plake, B. S. (1993). Teacher assessment literacy: Teachers’ competencies in the educational assessment of students. Mid-Western Educational Researcher, 6(1), 21-24.
  • Popham, W. J. (2009). Assessment literacy for teachers: Faddish or fundamental? Theory into Practice, 48(1), 4-11. https://doi.org/10.1080/00405840802577536
  • Popham, W. J. (2011). Assessment literacy overlooked: A teacher educator’s confession. The Teacher Educator, 46(4), 265-273. https://doi.org/10.1080/08878730.2011.605048
  • Rea-Dickins, P. (2004). Understanding teachers as agents of assessment. Language Testing, 21(3), 249-258. https://doi.org/10.1191=0265532204lt283ed
  • Rogier, D. (2014). Assessment literacy: Building a base for better teaching and learning. English Language Teaching Forum, 52(3), 2-13.
  • Stabler-Havener, M. L. (2018). Defining, conceptualizing, problematizing, and assessing language teacher assessment literacy. Working Papers in Applied Linguistics & TESOL, 18(1), 1-22.
  • Stiggins, R. J. (1991). Assessment literacy. Phi Delta Kappan, 72(7), 534-539.
  • Tanyer, S., & Susoy, Z. (2018). Assessment of young language learners: Perceptions and practices of Turkish EFL pre-service and in-service teachers. The Journal of Language Teaching and Learning, 8(2), 127-149.
  • Tavassoli, K., & Farhady, H. (2018). Assessment knowledge needs of EFL teachers. Teaching English Language, 12(2), 45-65.
  • Taylor, L. (2009). Developing assessment literacy. Annual Review of Applied Linguistics, 29, 21-36. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0267190509090035
  • Tsagari, D. (2020). Language assessment literacy: Concepts, challenges, and prospects. In S. Hidri (Ed.), Perspectives on language assessment literacy: Challenges for improved students learning (pp. 13-32). Routledge.
  • Tuzcu-Eken, D. (2016). Testing in English classes in vocational schools of higher education. Electronic Journal of Vocational Colleges, 6(1), 38-47.
  • Vogt, K., & Tsagari, D. (2014). Assessment literacy of foreign language teachers: Findings of a European study. Language Assessment Quarterly, 11(4), 374-402. https://doi.org/10.1080/15434303.2014.960046
  • Xu, Y., & Brown, G. T. L. (2016). Teacher assessment literacy in practice: A reconceptualization. Teaching and Teacher Education, 58, 149-162. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2016.05.010
  • Xu, Y., & Brown, G. T. L. (2017). University English teacher assessment literacy: A survey-test report from China. Papers in Language Testing and Assessment, 6(1), 133-158. https://doi.org/10.58379/UZON5145
  • Yan, X., Zhang, C., & Fan, J. J. (2018). “Assessment knowledge is important, but …”: How contextual and experiential factors mediate assessment practice and training needs of language teachers. System, 74, 158-168. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2018.03.003
There are 42 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Other Fields of Education (Other)
Journal Section Research Articles
Authors

Gamze Satgun 0000-0002-4882-5074

Asuman Aşık 0000-0003-3293-1283

Early Pub Date October 22, 2023
Publication Date December 28, 2023
Acceptance Date October 21, 2023
Published in Issue Year 2023 Volume: 5 Issue: 2

Cite

APA Satgun, G., & Aşık, A. (2023). Exploring Language Assessment Knowledge of In-Service English Language Teachers in K-12 Context. Journal of Teacher Education and Lifelong Learning, 5(2), 610-627. https://doi.org/10.51535/tell.1321423
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