Application Of Computers In Language Testing

Language testing has always been a major concern in language teaching andlearning. Modern science and technology has greatly advances the developmentof language testing. Getting rid of the limitations of traditional classicaltesting theory and applying the IRT (Item Response Theory), this thesisexplores recent developments in the use of computers in language testing in(a) item banking, (b) computer ssisted language testing, (c)computerized daptive language testing, and (d) webased testing.The thesis then examines the educatibnal measurement literature in anattempt to forecast the directions future research on computers in languagetesting might take and suggests addressing the following issues: (a) pilotingpractices in computer adaptive language tests (CALls), (b) standardizing orvarying CALT lengths, (c) sampling CALT items, (d) changing the difficultyof CALl items, (e) dealingwithCALlitemsets, (f) scoringCALlS, (g) dealingwith CALT item omissions, (h) making decisions about CALT cut oints, (1)avoiding CALT item exposure, (j) providing CALT item review opportunities,and (k) complying with legal disclosure laws when using CALTs.Finally, a new mode of language testing is introduced which proves to bevalid and reliable. Properly handled, it will not only benefit the studentsand relieve the burden of teachers, but also bring about great positiveeffective on language teaching.