Geekzone: technology news, blogs, forums
Guest
Welcome Guest.
You haven't logged in yet. If you don't have an account you can register now.
To post in this sub-forum you must have made 100 posts or have Trust status or have completed our ID Verification



SerjTank

38 posts

Geek


#298505 22-Jun-2022 15:16
Send private message

Hi,


 


I looked at the various forums here, and thought that this discussion would best be had here. I hope that it's agreeable with everyone else.


 


The situation:


I'm a teacher at a language school. As a requirement to study at our school, we undertake level tests (English speaking and writing tests) for all incoming students. Currently this is entirely done by hand (writing) or in person (speaking) and takes quite a chunk of time, especially in times of high volume.


 


The solution:


Would it be possible to build a program, and 'teach it' to grade, (or at least provide an indicative grade) of a student's English proficiency? The speaking and writing tests in question are all standardized, and have rubrics matched to them. We also have some amount of tests (read:data) from past test takers that are used to train test (and standardize) graders such as myself. I imagine this would be useful to 'feed' the program information and use it to rain itself off of.


 


Questions:


I think it would be (much) easier to start off with the writing tests, as there are fewer variables to consider (compared to speaking).



  • Where would I even start though?

  • How difficult would it be to do this?


I don't have enough know-how to build the program myself but could definitely contribute to it's conceptual and developmental processes. As there isn't much budget for this (it's very much a DIY thing) I imagine it would be best to source expertise outside of NZ where labour costs are much lower, using perhaps a service such as mturk


 


I'm open to any other suggestions and ideas though. Currently I'm just in the information gathering stage of this project.


Create new topic

gzt

gzt
16997 posts

Uber Geek

Lifetime subscriber

  #2933347 22-Jun-2022 22:24
Send private message

There are a number of possible approaches to this type of problem. There are a variety of startups in this space. Perhaps there is already one to suit your needs. Bear in mind, there's always room for one more.



roobarb
652 posts

Ultimate Geek

Trusted

  #2933364 23-Jun-2022 04:49
Send private message

Most language schools in Europe have an online test to gauge against CEFR.

 

Eg https://www.europa-school.co.uk/language-level-test/

 

I suggest avoid re-inventing the wheel and find somebody who can already provide a reliable and confidential service.

 

Eg, https://englishtest.duolingo.com/resources

 

Ready to try out the Duolingo English Test at your institution? Request a getting-started guide that provides a detailed overview of the test process and format, how to interpret scores, website copy, cut-and-paste emails, and more!

 

 

 

 

 

 


MikeAqua
7769 posts

Uber Geek


  #2933387 23-Jun-2022 09:07
Send private message

How do you know if the person taking the test is actually the student (not a friend who has better command of written English), when it's done online? 





Mike




roobarb
652 posts

Ultimate Geek

Trusted

  #2933407 23-Jun-2022 09:42
Send private message

MikeAqua: How do you know ...

 

If the institute is teaching the language and the purpose of the test is to determine which level of class they should start at then the only person they are fooling is themselves. It will become evident during the first couple of hours interactive tuition if they are not at the required level for the given class.

 

With an automated test, a rating is only a guideline and I would expect that any student who is struggling in class would be advised early in a course that they are not at the required level that they should join a more junior stream.

 

When it comes to getting a formally recognised certificate of language competence then the proof of identity for examination attendance is much more strict.

 

 

 

 


Create new topic





News and reviews »

Logitech G522 Gaming Headset Review
Posted 18-Jun-2025 17:00


Māori Artists Launch Design Collection with Cricut ahead of Matariki Day
Posted 15-Jun-2025 11:19


LG Launches Upgraded webOS Hub With Advanced AI
Posted 15-Jun-2025 11:13


One NZ Satellite IoT goes live for customers
Posted 15-Jun-2025 11:10


Bolt Launches in New Zealand
Posted 11-Jun-2025 00:00


Suunto Run Review
Posted 10-Jun-2025 10:44


Freeview Satellite TV Brings HD Viewing to More New Zealanders
Posted 5-Jun-2025 11:50


HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14-inch Review
Posted 3-Jun-2025 14:40


Flip Phones Are Back as HMD Reimagines an Iconic Style
Posted 30-May-2025 17:06


Hundreds of School Students Receive Laptops Through Spark Partnership With Quadrent's Green Lease
Posted 30-May-2025 16:57


AI Report Reveals Trust Is Key to Unlocking Its Potential in Aotearoa
Posted 30-May-2025 16:55


Galaxy Tab S10 FE Series Brings Intelligent Experiences to the Forefront with Premium, Versatile Design
Posted 30-May-2025 16:14


New OPPO Watch X2 Launches in New Zealand
Posted 29-May-2025 16:08


Synology Premiers a New Lineup of Advanced Data Management Solutions
Posted 29-May-2025 16:04


Dyson Launches Its Slimmest Vaccum Cleaner PencilVac
Posted 29-May-2025 15:50









Geekzone Live »

Try automatic live updates from Geekzone directly in your browser, without refreshing the page, with Geekzone Live now.



Are you subscribed to our RSS feed? You can download the latest headlines and summaries from our stories directly to your computer or smartphone by using a feed reader.