Proposal types
1. Papers
This format is best suited to theoretically oriented work, or the presentation of completed research studies and assessment development projects. Paper presentations are 20 minutes and are followed by 10 minutes for questions and comments from the audience. The proposal should clearly indicate what the presentation will focus on, as well as give details of the whole project. In the case of empirical studies, the proposal should in general include objectives of the study, study design and methods, results, conclusions, and implications. In the case of conceptual research, the proposal should discuss an approach or a critical issue, or compare and contrast alternative approaches or issues, and provide significant new insights. The proposal must not exceed 500 words. Papers that are not accepted may be offered a poster slot.
2. Symposia
Symposia involve multiple presentations focusing on a single theme and are best suited to the in-depth discussion of research, theory, practice, and associated issues. They should not be a series of independent presentations but should offer complementary or differing perspectives on an important topic or issue that can stimulate wider discussion. Symposia may last up to 90 minutes and may include up to four individual presenters, a moderator, and an independent discussant. An organizer may also act as a participant or moderator. Evidence of careful planning for the implementation of the symposium (e.g., goals, timing, summaries of perspectives) should be included in the proposal. The proposal should include a 500-word summary of the topic, focusing on how the perspectives represented in the individual papers complement one another. In addition, abstracts of individual papers not exceeding 500 words each should be included.
3. Posters
Posters provide an opportunity for the presentation of test development projects, technological innovations and current assessment practice in the classroom. Posters are displayed on a specific day. Presenters should be available to discuss their work and answer questions. The proposal must not exceed 500 words.
4. Work in Progress Presentations
This conference session gives the opportunity for presenters to discuss work in progress, in the form of either a research study or a project to develop a particular type of assessment for practical use. Presenters give a brief overview of what they have done, any issues they are dealing with and what their future plans are, as the basis for generating useful feedback from a small group of other participants. The session will be organised so that each presenter meets with three different groups for 20 minutes each. The proposal must not exceed 500 words.
5. Demos
Demos are a demonstration of innovative assessment ideas and products as well as the application of new technology in developing, delivering and researching language assessments. This may involve new means of designing and developing assessments; delivering assessments; text analysis and scoring of assessments; understanding assessment behaviours (e.g., eye-tracking studies). Presenters should be prepared to showcase their work through screen shots and/or actual demos. Demos are 20 minutes, followed by 10 minutes for questions and comments from the audience. In no more than 500 words, the proposal should fully describe the substantive goals of the presentation, outline how the demo will proceed, and discuss any implications.
This format is best suited to theoretically oriented work, or the presentation of completed research studies and assessment development projects. Paper presentations are 20 minutes and are followed by 10 minutes for questions and comments from the audience. The proposal should clearly indicate what the presentation will focus on, as well as give details of the whole project. In the case of empirical studies, the proposal should in general include objectives of the study, study design and methods, results, conclusions, and implications. In the case of conceptual research, the proposal should discuss an approach or a critical issue, or compare and contrast alternative approaches or issues, and provide significant new insights. The proposal must not exceed 500 words. Papers that are not accepted may be offered a poster slot.
2. Symposia
Symposia involve multiple presentations focusing on a single theme and are best suited to the in-depth discussion of research, theory, practice, and associated issues. They should not be a series of independent presentations but should offer complementary or differing perspectives on an important topic or issue that can stimulate wider discussion. Symposia may last up to 90 minutes and may include up to four individual presenters, a moderator, and an independent discussant. An organizer may also act as a participant or moderator. Evidence of careful planning for the implementation of the symposium (e.g., goals, timing, summaries of perspectives) should be included in the proposal. The proposal should include a 500-word summary of the topic, focusing on how the perspectives represented in the individual papers complement one another. In addition, abstracts of individual papers not exceeding 500 words each should be included.
3. Posters
Posters provide an opportunity for the presentation of test development projects, technological innovations and current assessment practice in the classroom. Posters are displayed on a specific day. Presenters should be available to discuss their work and answer questions. The proposal must not exceed 500 words.
4. Work in Progress Presentations
This conference session gives the opportunity for presenters to discuss work in progress, in the form of either a research study or a project to develop a particular type of assessment for practical use. Presenters give a brief overview of what they have done, any issues they are dealing with and what their future plans are, as the basis for generating useful feedback from a small group of other participants. The session will be organised so that each presenter meets with three different groups for 20 minutes each. The proposal must not exceed 500 words.
5. Demos
Demos are a demonstration of innovative assessment ideas and products as well as the application of new technology in developing, delivering and researching language assessments. This may involve new means of designing and developing assessments; delivering assessments; text analysis and scoring of assessments; understanding assessment behaviours (e.g., eye-tracking studies). Presenters should be prepared to showcase their work through screen shots and/or actual demos. Demos are 20 minutes, followed by 10 minutes for questions and comments from the audience. In no more than 500 words, the proposal should fully describe the substantive goals of the presentation, outline how the demo will proceed, and discuss any implications.
evaluation criteria
Criteria used to evaluate papers, posters, work in progress presentations and demos will be:
Criteria used to evaluate symposia will be:
- Interest and importance to the field of language assessment
- Clarity and completeness of the proposal
- Quality of the work to be reported
- Relevance to the conference theme
Criteria used to evaluate symposia will be:
- Interest and importance to the field of language assessment
- Coherence and complementarity of the contributions
- Evidence of careful planning for the implementation of the symposium, including sufficient time for discussion and audience participation
- Relevance to the conference theme