Presentation “Computer Adaptive Language Testing – Calt” Scientific International Project on International Online Bilc Conference

On 10-14 May 2021, the representatives from the National Defence University of Ukraine named after Ivan Cherniakhovskyi participated into the international online conference held under the auspices of the Bureau for International Language Co-Ordination (BILC). The conference focused on topical issues of foreign language training and language testing in accordance with the NATO STANAG 6001 requirements, including the use of innovative digital tools for language training. The experts exchanged the experience on implementing blended and distance learning technologies and the adaptive methods of language testing that served as a solution in the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Branka Petek (BILC Secretary), Keith L. Wert (the Director of the Partner Language Training Center Europe at the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany), Peggy Garza (the Chair of the English Language Programs Department at the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies, Partner Language Training Center Europe (PLTCE) in Garmisch, Germany), Julie J. Dubeau, (Chief Standards Foreign Language Programs), Jana Vasilj-Begovic (Foreign Language Standards Office,
Canadian Defence Academy), Pavel Anastasov (NATO Defence Education enhancement Programme) and other BILC experts participated in the event.

Colonel Mykhailo Hrebeniuk and Maj Viktoriia Krykun from the Foreign Languages Education and Research Centre of NDUU presented the adaptive idea and piloting results of the “Computer Adaptive Language Testing – CALT” international scientific project. The representative from the NDUU presented the concept of adaptive language testing methods for listening and reading language subtests, and the advantages of the CALT software, as well as the results of its piloting in NDUU. Adaptive language testing, supported by the latest computer and information technology, will allow to conduct online three-level language testing for reading and listening (L0-L3) in accordance with the requirements of NATO STANAG 6001, as well as will generate a unique set for each test tasks, conduct computer evaluation of test results, store the results of testing sessions, provide statistics, etc.

The important result of the meeting is that BILC experts positively considered the NDUU request for providing the advisory assistance in 2021 to improve the advanced training course in English language teaching (PDCELT), and the Course on Language Testing according to NATO STANAG 6001 through informing the Ukrainian specialists about language testing methods, methodical materials for the courses. The BILC experts will provide the assistance through online discussion of testing issues and while visiting the university by groups of experts during the courses in the second half of 2021. The recommendations of the international partners will help to bring these courses to the NATO standards.

More information about the event at

https://www.natobilc.org/en/info/upcoming-events/