A Review of Language Testing and Assessment in Online Teaching

Abstract

In line with the increased importance of language testing and assessment in online learning, the paper sets out to present an overview of the landscape of online language testing and assessment based on available scholarship in global and Vietnamese contexts. Several benefits of online language testing and assessment are reported, including promotion of learner autonomy, evaluation of students’ progress, and convenience. Methods of online language assessment encompass collecting evidences of learning and using rubrics. A number of problems with current language testing and assessment practices in an online environment are delineated, including cheating/plagiarism, preference for selected response items, lack of validity and reliability, and increased workload for teachers. Recommendations for relevant stakeholders including teachers and teacher education institutions to improve the quality of online language assessment are accordingly presented.