Online assessments of English skills in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Online assessments schemes are increasingly becoming popular in Sri Lanka. It is not only an attractive method but also provides many opportunities to asses a large population of students at the same time. In 2011, two online tests were conducted as a part of the pre-orientation program (POP), conducted by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) to improve and enhance English Language skills of new entrants. The first online test (pre-test) was conducted to assess the level of English when new entrants enter Sri Lankan universities and the second online test was conducted at the end of the POP to gauge the level of improvement students have achieved after following the course. This paper analyses the results of both online assessments. The tests were conducted for a population of more than 14, 000 new entrants to Sri Lankan universities.

The findings of the study have provided significant insights into developing and designing mass scale online tests and undergraduate courses in Sri Lankan universities. The data will shed light on undergraduate course requirements (designing and developing curriculum, improving teaching and learning methods) and subsequent employment requirements.

The findings of the study reveal that students? English language competencies prior to and after following the POP have significantly changed. It also indicates that the level of English of the new entrants from urban areas in Sri Lanka is significantly similar.

Based on the results of the study, students can be categorized into different UTEL (University Test of the English Language) benchmark levels.

The findings of the study have provided significant insights into developing and designing mass scale online tests and undergraduate courses in Sri Lankan universities. Based on the test results, Sri Lankan universities are now able to benchmark their students into respective undergraduate courses and aim at higher levels of proficiency in English. The results are indicative of students who are at lower levels. Overall, the results provide significant insights for policy makers, English language teachers, course designers and academics of Sri Lankan universities

The data will shed light on undergraduate course requirements (designing and developing curriculum, improving teaching and learning methods) and subsequent employment requirements.

The findings of the study have provided significant insights into developing and designing mass scale online tests and undergraduate courses in Sri Lankan universities. The data will shed light on undergraduate course requirements (designing and developing curriculum, improving teaching and learning methods) and subsequent employment requirements.