In order to support the production of high-quality exam materials, LanguageCert makes use of both internal and external research and validation resources.
The Socio-cognitive Framework, developed by Weir (2007), has provided the LanguageCert research and development teams with helpful ways of structuring thinking on the interaction of a range of important elements in the testing process. Of particular relevance here are issues such as constructs being assessed and candidate and contextual variables that might impact on test fairness. The Weir Framework has also helped us to identify the cognitive processes required to complete tasks, the dependability of test scores and the impact that LanguageCert assessments have. In addition, it has helped with the structuring of evidence that allows us to demonstrate that LanguageCert tests perform as intended; that they are fair, reliable and valid.
Recent publications of relevance to the validation, reliability, quality and impact of LanguageCert examinations are provided below.
Publications
2024
Milanovic, M., Lee, T., Lampropoulou, L., & Coniam, D. (2024). Exploring test gender bias in the LanguageCert SELT IESOL Speaking and Listening tests. London, UK: LanguageCert. Download
Pike, N., Papargyris, Y., Dourda, C., Lee, T., & Coniam, D. (2024). Recalibrating and extending the analysis of the LanguageCert Test of English. London, UK: LanguageCert. Download
Jones, C. (2024). The LanguageCert General Test: Assessing language in the migration and employment domains. London, UK: LanguageCert. Download
2023
Lampropoulou, L. (2023). The use and impact of pre-task planning time in the monologic task of LanguageCert speaking tests. Language Education & Assessment, 6(1), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.29140/lea.v6n1.1180
Falvey, P., & Coniam, D. (eds.) (2023). Certifying quality in assessment & learning: Research and validation at LanguageCert. Volume 2. London, UK: LanguageCert. Download
Coniam, D., & Megaritis, V. (2023). Similarity detection in writing test scripts at LanguageCert. London, UK: LanguageCert. Download
Milanovic, M., Pike, N., Papargyris, Y., Lee, T., & Coniam, D. (2023). The LanguageCert Global Scale. London, UK: LanguageCert. Download
Jones, C. (2023). Orienting the LanguageCert IESOL C1 examination to an academic context. London, UK: LanguageCert. Download
Stoukou, I., Papargyris, Y., & Coniam, D. (2023). A comparability study of handwritten versus typed responses in high-stakes English language writing tests. ELT FORUM, 12(1), 36-43.
Milanovic, M., Lee, T., & Coniam, D. (2023). The delivery of speaking tests in traditional or online proctored mode: A comparability study. Journal of Language Testing & Assessment, 6(1), 1-10. DOI: 10.23977/langta.2023.060101.
Cheilari, A., Falvey, P., & Coniam. D. (2023). Developing reading skills using inquiry-oriented approaches: WebQuests. ELTNEWS, 382, 16-18.
Coniam, D., Stoukou, I., Lee,. T., & Milanovic, M. (2023). SELT IESOL Writing Test Quality. London, UK: LanguageCert. Download
Lee, T., Papargyris, Y., Milanovic, M., Pike, N., & Coniam, D. (2023). Aligning LanguageCert SELT tests to the LanguageCert Item Difficulty (LID) scale. London, UK:LanguageCert. Download
Milanovic, M., Lee, T., Coniam, D., & Papargyris, Y. (2023). Externally-referenced anchoring of LanguageCert SELT tests. London, UK: LanguageCert. Download
2022
Cheilari, A., Falvey, P., & Coniam. D. (2022). Using video for developing listening skills. ELTNEWS , 378, 19-20.
Coniam, D., Milanovic, M., & Zhao, W. (2022). Foreign CEFR and CSE comparability study: An exploration using the Chinese College English Test and the LanguageCert Test of English. CEFR Journal – Research and Practice, 5, 25-44.
Coniam, D., Lee, T., Milanovic, M., Pike, N. & Zhao, W. (2022). The role of expert judgement in language test validation. Language Education & Assessment, 5(1), 18-33. https://www.castledown.com/articles/LEA_5_1_769.pdf.
Coniam, D., Poupounaki-Lappa, P., & Peristeri, P. (2022). Validating communicative tests of reading and language use of Classical Greek. Journal of Classics Teaching, 23 (45), 55 - 59. https://doi.org/10.1017/S2058631021000532.
Falvey, P., & Coniam, D. (eds.) (2022). Certifying quality in assessment and learning: Research and validation at LanguageCert. Volume 1. London, UK: LanguageCert. Download
Coniam, D., Lee, T., & Milanovic, M. (2022). Exploring Item bank stability in the creation of multiple test forms. London, UK: LanguageCert. Download
Lee, T., Coniam, D., & Milanovic, M. (2022). Exploring item bank stability through live and simulated datasets. Journal of Language Testing & Assessment, 5, 13-21. doi.org/10.23977/langta.2022.050102
Milanovic, M., Zhao, W, Falvey, P., & Coniam, D. (Eds.) (2022). The evolving role of language assessment in skills development in the modern world [Special Issue]. International Journal of TESOL Studies, 4(1), 1-4. doi.org/10.46451/ijts.2022.01.01.
Coniam, D. (2022). Online invigilation of English language examinations: A survey of past China candidates’ attitudes and perceptions. International Journal of TESOL Studies, 4(1), 21-31. doi.org/10.46451/ijts.2022.01.03.
Lampropoulou, L. (2022). Interactional competence and the role role play plays: The LanguageCert Perspective. International Journal of TESOL Studies, 4(1), 32-47. doi.org/10.46451/ijts.2022.01.04.
Zhao, W., & Coniam, D. (2022). Using self-assessments to investigate comparability of the CEFR and CSE: An exploratory study using the LanguageCert Test of English. International Journal of TESOL Studies, 4(1), 169-186. doi.org/10.46451/ijts.2022.01.11.
Lee, T., Milanovic, M., & Pike, N. (2022). Equating Rasch values and expert judgement through externally-referenced anchoring. International Journal of TESOL Studies, 4(1), 187-202. doi.org/10.46451/ijts.2022.01.12.
Papargyris, Y., & Yan, Z. (2022). Examiner quality and consistency across LanguageCert Writing Tests. International Journal of TESOL Studies, 4(1), 203-212. doi.org/10.46451/ijts.2022.01.13.
2021
Pike, N. & Coniam, D. (2021). Adaptive testing and the LanguageCert Test of English adaptive test. ELTNEWS, 367. https://www.eltnews.gr/adaptive-testing-and-the-languagecert-test-of-english-adaptive-test.
Coniam, D., Lampropoulou, L., & Cheilari, A. (2021). Online proctoring of high-stakes examinations: A survey of past candidates' attitudes and perceptions. English Language Teaching, 14(8), 58-72. https://doi.org/10.5539/elt.v14n8p58
Coniam, D., Lee, T., Milanovic, M. & Pike, N. (2021). Validating the LanguageCert Test of English scale: The adaptive test. London, UK: LanguageCert. Download
Poupounaki-Lappa, P., Peristeri, T., & Coniam, D. (2021). Towards a communicative test of reading and language use for Classical Greek. Journal of Classics Teaching, 22 (44).98-105. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S2058631021000222.
Lee, T., Milanovic, M., Coniam, D., & Pike, N. (2021). Externally-referenced anchoring: equating expert judgement and Rasch measurement values in LanguageCert IESOL English language tests. London, UK: LanguageCert. Download
Papargyris, Y. & Lampropoulou, L. (2021). The development and delivery of online-proctored speaking exams: The case of LanguageCert International ESOL, in ALTE (2021). Safeguarding the future of multilingual assessment in the post-covid world – Proceedings of the ALTE 7th International Conference, 22-24 April 2020, Madrid.
Coniam, D., Lee, T., Milanovic, M. & Pike, N. (2021). Validating the LanguageCert Test of English scale: The paper-based tests. London, UK: LanguageCert. Download
Coniam, D. & Babatsi, M. (2021). Task equivalence in LanguageCert IESOL Writing tests. London, UK: LanguageCert. Download
Coniam, D., & Papargyris, Y. (2021). Examiner quality and consistency across LanguageCert Writing tests. London, UK: LanguageCert. Download
Coniam, D., Lee, T., & Lampropoulou, L. (2021). Identifying guessing in English language tests via Rasch fit statistics: An exploratory study. English Language Teaching, 14(4).
Coniam, D., & Lee, T. (2021). Potential bias in LanguageCert IESOL items: A Differential Item Functioning analysis. London, UK: LanguageCert. Download
Cheilari, A., & Coniam, D. (2021). Process approaches to the teaching of writing. ELTNEWS, 361, 24-29.
Milanovic, M., & Cheilari, A. (2021). LanguageCert – A multilingual language testing system. London, UK: LanguageCert. Download
2020
Coniam, D., & Lampropoulou, L. (2020). A review of LanguageCert IESOL Listening and Reading test reliabilities 2018-2020. London, UK: LanguageCert. Download
Cheilari, A., & Coniam, D. (2020). Preparing for teaching exam classes in the new school year. ELTNEWS, 360, 16-19.
2019
Lampropoulou, L., & Papargyris, Y. (2019). External validation of LanguageCert’s English language examinations. London, UK: LanguageCert. Download
Green, A. (2019). Relating LanguageCert Communicator to the CEFR. Centre for Research in English Language Learning and Assessment: University of Bedfordshire, UK. Download
UK NARIC. (2019). LanguageCert ESOL International Qualifications: Independent CEFR Referencing – Executive Summary Report. National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom: Cheltenham, UK. Download
O’Sullivan, B. (2008). City & Guilds Communicator Level IESOL Examination (B2) CEFR Linking Project Case Study Report. Roehampton University, UK. Download