Kevin Renfrew
UBELT Test Development Manager
University of Bath
Wessex House 7.51
Bath
BA2 7AY
Tel: +44 1225 383817
Email: kr223@bath.ac.uk
Web site: http://www.bath.ac.uk/ubelt/
Test evaluates English language skills of foreign medics
Language specialists at the University of Bath have developed a suite of tests that evaluate the English language skills of different healthcare professionals seeking work in English speaking countries.
The tests, which include tests for dentists, dental nurses and dental hygienists, are the only language assessments to evaluate ability in the specific context of dental healthcare.
These tests distinguish between candidates whose level of English is good enough to communicate sufficiently well in the native speaker professional context and those whose level is not. All tests are made with the following in mind: selected candidates will work in an English-speaking/ native speaker environment. Selected candidates will have to deal with the public as well as with colleagues.
The test includes 4 components, each relating to one of the four skills areas often used in language assessment. It is recognised, however, that each component includes to some extent the use other skills, and all require a level of general communicative competence. The purpose of the test is to assess overall communicative competence, unlike other Standard English Tests, rather than to assess correct usage and knowledge about the English language, thus the constructs are broad rather than highly specific.
The test prioritises competent linguistic communication over strict notions of accuracy. While accuracy is an important factor in effective communication, UBELT is not an assessment of individual language items in isolation (e.g. discrete grammar questions); instead it focuses on the extent of the candidateÌs ability to use English effectively and appropriately in the given context. A continual feedback loop involving medical professionals, candidates and examiners is encouraged by UBELT, and forms an important part of its continued test development.
UBELTÌs content is related to the information, topics, and types of communication required for the profession in question. Since the real professional work situation will be in the English speaking countries, the test is based on authentic native-speaker language, however, great care is taken to maintain an adequate level of standard language, style and content to prevent discrimination against those without specialist or area knowledge. Thus, professional content is related to general information and issues, and performance assessment is related to language usage, communication skills and strategies instead of Îclinically correctÌ answers.
Authenticity is an important consideration in communicative language testing. UBELT seeks to do this in a number of ways. The actual processes and strategies candidates are required to employ to perform in the test are ÏauthenticÓ in that they simulate as much as possible typical communication in normal professional contexts. From UBELTÌs feedback studies, it has been made clear that UBELT is a user-friendly test in its length and format. A further significant point is that it has a high Ïface validityÓ factor, i.e. it includes professionally relevant tasks and topics and so can appear more credible as a test to candidates. As a result, candidates are able to approach the test with greater confidence.
Authenticity is also enhanced by the UBELT scoring method which focuses on the actual professional performance needed for the job. This is fundamental to our test design and delivery. For example, while UBELT includes all four language skills in its assessment of a candidate, the overall score is weighted in favour of the skills which are most significant for working each professional context. The most important language skills for each profession are signalled through consultation with professional informants- practising professionals, employers and officials of governing bodies.
While it must be accepted that no language test can ever replicate the complexity of the real communicative situation, a fundamental premise of all language tests is that the language test samples the candidateÌs language ability, measures it, and the results can provide a clearer picture of candidatesÌ language level. From this the language tester and test user seek to make predictions about how well the candidate is likely to perform in future situations (predictive validity). In the UBELT test, such an interpretation and prediction hinges on the candidateÌs level of ease, fluency, and effectiveness in using English.
The data to support the UBELTÌs claims for a high level of predictive validity derives from tracking candidatesÌ subsequent performance in the professional situation. Information from language level assessment surveys after the candidates have begun work is gathered regularly, and requires support from the candidates as well as agencies or employers.
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Robert Winnett, Political Editor The Telegraph says: | 2012-01-20 04:13:47 |
| Britain is free to ban foreign medical staff from working in this country if they do not speak adequate English or there are concerns over their medical ability, an EU Commissioner insists today. | ||
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