Newsroom
European language survey goes live
2 February
The European Commission’s research initiative SurveyLang, which will compare language learning across the European Community, took a step closer this month with the announcement that most countries taking part will start testing over the next couple of months - starting with Malta in February.
In the run up to this significant milestone, National Research Co-Ordinators (NRCs) from around Europe gathered in Cambridge on 12-14 January to receive training on test administration from language experts at Cambridge ESOL. The course was part of a wider development programme for NRCs – who will be responsible for overseeing the assessment part of the survey when it becomes fully operational.
Cambridge ESOL, the survey co-ordinators, gave country representatives an in-depth insight into all aspects of test administration. They also launched their bespoke “Test Rendering Tool”, a specially designed computer-based platform which will help NRCs ensure that testing on this scale is carried out securely.
Karen Ashton, SurveyLang project manager explains the significance of this milestone:
“With the survey beginning next month in Malta, it is essential that data gathered is accurate in terms of how language proficiency relates to demographic, social and economical factors across Europe. We’ve devised a comprehensive training programme to ensure country representatives are confident they can carry out testing that is comparable, fair and secure.”
The NRCs have now been trained on sampling, translation and general test administration. As the survey progresses over the coming months, NRCs are encouraged to cascade down this knowledge to those assisting them in this important research initiative.
