BULLETIN BOARD

Volunteers needed for test of English as a foreign language

Volunteers are needed to sit a 'trial run' of the Pearson PTE test of Academic English internet-based test.

I am undertaking a research project for a master's dissertation that will involve students at the ELTU sitting an online language test.

In order to check the computing facilities and to ensure no compatibility issues, I will be conducting a ‘trial run’ of computing facilities, software and headsets on 1st June, at 12-00pm, in the Ken Edwards Building, rooms 101 and 103. The nationality of the volunteers is not important for the trial run - native and non-native speakers are all invited to participate.

I am looking for up to 30 volunteers would ‘sit’ two parts of the test. The parts of the test to be undertaken are parts 1 and 3 which are predominantly orientated towards speaking and listening skills. I am hoping to avoid the lengthier portions of the exam, so the total duration will hopefully be less than one hour.

Unfortunately, due to the budget constraints, no remuneration is possible.

More information about the test can be found here:

http://pearsonpte.com/PTEAcademic/Tutorial/Documents/PTEA_Tutorial.pdf

This is an opportunity to find out more about a new form of testing, one that is completely online and employs an electronic marking system. For anyone interested in teaching English as a foreign language, or who hold teaching positions that involve IELTS or TOEFL, this may prove to be extremely useful experience.

If you would like to participate or have any questions about the test, please do not hesitate to contact contact Nathaniel Owen on nio5@le.ac.uk or 07598478652.