Language Testing Seminar (LTS) 23-03

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PLTCE Language Testing Seminar (LTS) Graphic

Language Testing Seminar (LTS) 23-03

The LTS is a NATO approved course and addresses the following NATO training requirements:

  • Norm and standardize application of STANAG 6001 to ensure interoperability
  • Develop language assessment and validation tools IAW STANAG 6001

The LTS is listed in e-Prime under ACT.647

The LTS is listed in eTOC under ETE-LA-32022 (https://e-itep.act.nato.int/Guest/ETOCindex.aspx)

Course Description

The Language Testing Seminar is the foundation course for English language professionals who will be responsible for developing proficiency tests to NATO standards. LTS participants become familiar with the STANAG 6001 descriptors and practice producing proficiency tests in the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing for levels 1-3. Participants learn the proficiency test development process to include the steps of drafting test specifications; selecting passages and texts; writing, moderating and revising items and trialling tests.  Fundamental statistical concepts are introduced.

Final Learning Outcome

Participants will acquire competency in the development and administration of language proficiency tests based on the NATO STANAG 6001 standards.

Learning Objectives

Participants will:

  • demonstrate an understanding of language testing terms and concepts
  • identify the Content, Tasks, and Accuracy statements in the STANAG 6001 descriptors for listening, speaking, reading and writing, Levels 1-3
  • choose and assign levels to appropriate authentic written texts for STANAG 6001 reading test items for levels 1, 2 and 3
  • choose and assign levels to authentic spoken texts for STANAG 6001 listening test items for levels 1, 2 and 3
  • write and moderate STANAG 6001 reading and listening test items for levels 1, 2 and 3 IAW STANAG 6001 and BILC best practices
  • write and moderate STANAG 6001 speaking and writing test prompts for levels 1, 2 and 3 IAW STANAG 6001 and BILC best practices
  • rate written and spoken tests using STANAG 6001 descriptors and analytic grids
  • interpret basic descriptive statistics data about pilot test populations and test results
  • interpret basic statistical data on item facility and discrimination for item analysis

Duration: 2 weeks

Eligibility:  Military or civilian language professionals who are members or future members of a national STANAG 6001 testing organization.  SLP2+/2+/2+/2+ or higher.  Attendance is limited to one person per nation.

Registration Process:  12 weeks before the start of each course, invitations are issued to national BILC Points of Contact.   Applications from qualified candidates are due to PLTCE no later than six weeks before the course starts; actual deadlines are stated in each invitation.  Partner nations using e-Prime or with PD-funded seats must still apply in accordance with invitation instructions and within the prescribed time frame. 

Email:  BILC [at] marshallcenter.org

Event Details

Date
July 21, 2023 - August 11, 2023
Location
PLTCE Bldg. 250
How to Register

12 weeks before the start of each course, invitations are issued to national BILC Points of Contact.   Applications from qualified candidates are due to PLTCE no later than six weeks before the course starts; actual deadlines are stated in each invitation.  Partner nations using e-Prime or with SHAPE Partnership funded seats must still apply in accordance with invitation instructions and within the prescribed time frame.