ERIC Number: EJ1444222
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 23
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0958-8221
EISSN: EISSN-1744-3210
Dependability and Utility of Using E-Portfolios in Assessing EFL Learners' Speaking Proficiency
Ali Khodi; Hossein Khezerlou; Hassan Sahraei
Computer Assisted Language Learning, v37 n7 p1579-1601 2024
Regarding the whispered use of technology in instruction and assessment of language skills, the present study investigates the effect of e-portfolio assessment on EFL learners' speaking proficiency. To this end, 60 intermediate students were randomly selected and homogenized to participate in the study. Samples of the IELTS speaking tests were then administered as the criterion for assessing the learners' speaking ability in the pre- and post-test over a ten-week period. In both groups (control and experimental), the students had discussions on the given topics and the instructor evaluated their performance. Only in the experimental group, however, the students tracked their progress by keeping e-portfolios. The performances of the learners in both groups were rated based on the IELTS speaking band descriptors; paired samples and independent samples t-tests were run to determine the impact of the treatment. In addition, the learners responded to an attitude questionnaire and attended an interview to express their attitudes toward using e-portfolios in their speaking classes. The findings showed that not only using e-portfolio assessment improved the learners' overall speaking proficiency significantly but it also improved the students' positive attitudes toward its use as a learning and assessment tool. Moreover, the potential bias of the functionality of e-portfolios and the dependability of the findings were checked through running differential item (DIF) functioning and generalizability analyses, both suggesting the utility of the findings.
Descriptors: Reliability, Portfolio Assessment, Electronic Publishing, Student Evaluation, English (Second Language), Second Language Learning, Language Proficiency, Speech Skills, Educational Technology, Instructional Effectiveness, Discussion (Teaching Technique), Student Attitudes, Student Improvement, Barriers, Gender Differences, Foreign Countries, Private Schools, Language Tests, Adult Students
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Adult Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Iran
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: International English Language Testing System
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A