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-------- Original Message -------- Subject: Re: #8394 Scoring speaking tests: software? Date: Wed, 22 Nov 2006 16:07:50 -0800 From: Françoise Sorgen-Goldschmidt <[log in to unmask]> To: Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum <[log in to unmask]> CC: Judy Shoaf <[log in to unmask]>, [log in to unmask] References: <[log in to unmask]> Judy, I have been using LangLab to do what you describe. The authoring ("Admin") module allows me to record a question and set the length of the pause. I try to choose the apropriate length for the pause depending on the question (no mathematical formula here ... just experience), and sometimes impose a duration, e.g. for open questions, I might say and/or type on to the screen: "Speak as long as the green light is on". Students do see a countdown clock indicating how much time they have left to talk. As for separating the testing of listening comprehension from that of speaking and/or pronunciation, I completely agree: when only testing oral production skills, I type a summary of the question on the screen (as well as speak very slowly) to ensure the question is understood. In terms of evaluating and scoring students' oral work, I use the Teacher module of LangLab, which allows me to retrieve the student's oral work by simply choosing the student's name from the roster, along with the lesson and the item of the particular lesson or test. (Since LangLab works remotely, I can do this from my office or my home.) In addition to scoring, I can record comments: the sound wave of the student's recording allows me to insert recorded comments at any place in their recording. When the student goes back to the item in the "Client" (Student) module, they are informed on screen that their instructor has recorded comments, which they can listen to. LangLab is not free, and (for the sake of disclosure), I am in fact a partner in the LLC. The web site at http://www.elanglab.com will show you more (go to "how it works" for a description of the modules) and also allow you to download a fully functional demo with all documentation including "Exploring LangLab". You can ask for further info and pricing by writing to [log in to unmask] I will gladly answer pedagogical questions you may have, and look forward to your reactions to the software. Francoise >-------- Original Message -------- >Subject: Scoring speaking tests: software? >Date: Fri, 17 Nov 2006 11:26:13 -0500 >From: Judy Shoaf <[log in to unmask]> >To: llti <[log in to unmask]> > > > >A number of instructors here have constructed elaborate speaking >tests which involve a kind of dialogue between a prerecorded >interlocutor and the student, with timed pauses for the students to >respond. > >I am trying to discourage this as it is very tricky to construct. >Too long a pause, and the students may wait for their neighbors to >answer and imitate them? Too short, and of course they don't have a >chance to answer properly. It also mixes intensely speaking and >listening skills, so that the student with poor listening skills >will have little opportunity to show off actual speaking skills. > >However, given the situation, is there a program (preferably free!) >that will allow the instructors to open an audio file and see the >recorded test so that they can locate precisely the student >responses, for ease in scoring? > >Judy Shoaf >University of Florida > > > >-- >********************************************************************************** >LLTI is a service of IALLT, the International Association for >Language Learning (http://iallt.org/), and The Consortium for Language >Teaching and Learning (http://www.languageconsortium.org/). >Join IALLT at http://iallt.org. >Otmar K. Foelsche, LLTI-Editor ([log in to unmask]) >********************************************************************************** -- Francoise Sorgen-Goldschmidt Senior Lecturer French Department #2580 4125 Dwinelle Hall Berkeley CA 94720-2580 Office Phone: (510) 642 2182 Dept. Phone: (510) 642 2712 Dept. Fax: (510) 642-8852 Check out http://www.elanglab.com ! -- ********************************************************************************** LLTI is a service of IALLT, the International Association for Language Learning (http://iallt.org/), and The Consortium for Language Teaching and Learning (http://www.languageconsortium.org/). Join IALLT at http://iallt.org. Otmar K. Foelsche, LLTI-Editor ([log in to unmask]) **********************************************************************************