18.3249, Diss: Applied Ling: Fernandez: 'Methodological Proposal for the Cre...'

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LINGUIST List: Vol-18-3249. Mon Nov 05 2007. ISSN: 1068 - 4875.

Subject: 18.3249, Diss: Applied Ling: Fernandez: 'Methodological Proposal for the Cre...'

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1)
Date: 03-Nov-2007
From: Miguel Fernandez < migfdez at ugr.es >
Subject: Methodological Proposal for the Creation of a New English Test for University Entrance in Spain

 

	
-------------------------Message 1 ---------------------------------- 
Date: Mon, 05 Nov 2007 15:02:50
From: Miguel Fernandez [migfdez at ugr.es]
Subject: Methodological Proposal for the Creation of a New English Test for University Entrance in Spain
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Institution: University of Granada 
Program: Lexicography 
Dissertation Status: Completed 
Degree Date: 2007 

Author: Miguel Fernandez

Dissertation Title: Methodological Proposal for the Creation of a New English
Test for University Entrance in Spain 

Linguistic Field(s): Applied Linguistics

Subject Language(s): English (eng)


Dissertation Director(s):
Sanz-Sainz Inmaculada

Dissertation Abstract:

The main objective of this study is to offer a guide and an instrument to
improve the English component of the current Test for University Entrance
(Selectividad) in the Spanish Educational System. In order to achieve this
goal, the thesis first analyzes the present situation, to conclude that a
change is needed. Secondly, a theoretical description of the framework
where the new test will be implemented is offered. Finally, a new
methodology in the development of a new test is proposed. This methodology
is presented with a pilot test that might be a possible model to follow in
the improvement of the testing system.

The thesis is divided into three volumes. The first volume studies the
evolution of the Selectividad, paying special attention to its English
component. This section is also complemented with a chapter that analyzes
the opinions given by High School teachers and students in a survey about
this test. The results indicate that both teachers and students are not
satisfied at all with the current examination, and demand a change. 

Once the need for a change is justified, the thesis focuses on the
guidelines to develop a new language test given by the experts. One of the
chapters offers a comprehensive language testing guide for teachers who
might be interested in the area. After that, the creation of the new test
is described very exhaustively (specifications writing, items development
and pilot study) so that the process can be replicated in the future in the
case the methodology is being adopted. 

The second volume shows all the analyses carried out during the three
phases of the pilot study. The data have been analyzed with (1) SPSS, based
on the Classical Test Theory (CTT); (2) WINSTEPS, based on the Item
Response Theory (IRT); and FACETS, based on the Rasch Model (RM). The items
in the reading and listening components have been analyzed in each phase,
and changes have been made so that the discrimination index and reliability
coefficient are acceptable.

Finally, the third volume offers nine appendixes with information that has
been compiled to complement the first two volumes.

The conclusion of this work is simple: a more valid and reliable
Selectividad in which the four skills are tested can be implemented. The
collaboration of institutions and the relevant authorities is only
necessary. The thesis does not present a test to replace the present exam;
it only shows a work methodology based on the guidelines already
established by the experts. 





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