Implementing ICAO Language Proficiency Requirements in the Versant Aviation English Test

Autor/inn/en	Van Moere, Alistair; Suzuki, Masanori; Downey, Ryan; Cheng, Jian
Titel	Implementing ICAO Language Proficiency Requirements in the Versant Aviation English Test
Quelle	In: Australian Review of Applied Linguistics, 32 (2009) 3, S.27 (17 Seiten) PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	0155-0640
DOI	10.2104/aral0927
Schlagwörter	Scoring; Test Construction; Language Proficiency; Standards; International Organizations; Air Transportation; Employees; English (Second Language); Second Language Learning; Language Fluency; Language Tests; Certification; Computer Assisted Testing; Oral Language; Pronunciation; Vocabulary; Syntax; Interviews; Simulation; Communication Problems; Telecommunications + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Bewertung; Testaufbau; Language skill; Language skills; Sprachkompetenz; Standard; International organisation; International organisations; International organization; Internationale Organisation; Employee; Arbeitnehmer; Beschäftigter; English as second language; English; Second Language; Englisch als Zweitsprache; Zweitsprachenerwerb; Language test; Sprachtest; Abschlusszeugnis; Zertifizierung; Oral interpretation; Mündlicher Sprachgebrauch; Aussprache; Wortschatz; Interviewing; Interviewtechnik; Simulation program; Simulationsprogramm; Kommunikationsbarriere; Telekommunikationstechnik
Abstract	This paper discusses the development of an assessment to satisfy the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Language Proficiency Requirements. The Versant Aviation English Test utilizes speech recognition technology and a computerized testing platform, such that test administration and scoring are fully automated. Developed in collaboration with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, this 25-minute test is delivered via a telephone or computer. Two issues of interest are discussed. The first concerns the practicalities of assessing candidates in each of six separate dimensions of spoken proficiency: Pronunciation, Structure, Vocabulary, Fluency, Comprehension, and Interactions. Although an automated scoring system can objectively segregate these skills, we question whether human raters have the capacity to do this in oral interviews. The second issue discussed is how an automated test can provide a valid assessment of spoken interactions. Tasks were designed to simulate the information exchange between pilots and controllers on which candidates' proficiency in "Interactions" could be measured, for example, by eliciting functions such as correcting miscommunications and providing clarification. It is argued that candidate ability can be probed and estimated in a fair and standardized way by presenting a series of independent items which are targeted in difficulty at the various ICAO levels. (Contains 5 tables and 1 figure.) (As Provided).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2017/4/10