Turning the tables on online exam cheating via language mediation tasks

IF 0.7 Q3 EDUCATION & EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH Language Learning in Higher Education Pub Date : 2023-10-01 DOI:10.1515/cercles-2023-2033

Barbora Chovancová, Štěpánka Bilová, Alena Hradilová

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Abstract

Abstract This article addresses the issue of foreign language testing in the online mode and proposes a strategy to reduce the possibility of academic misconduct, specifically cheating, by designing tasks that assess the language skill of mediation in Legal English exams. Such tasks require test-takers to generate original answers, which can significantly reduce the risk of copying and pasting. Additionally, mastering the skill of mediation is a valuable asset for future lawyers. The authors introduce two original distinct intra-language mediation tasks that they developed for assessing English for Legal Purposes. One is aimed at first-year students with limited Legal English experience, while the other is intended for more advanced and experienced students. The article analyses student responses and evaluates their performance. The authors follow the action research approach, which involves a circle of observing, reflecting and acting, and raise questions concerning the originality of answers, production of a measurable sample of the target language, objectivity of assessment, and whether the practice in class impacts the success rate. The article also discusses challenges encountered during the process and how they were addressed. It can be concluded that mediation tasks are practical for online testing but could be used equally well for traditional classroom assessment.

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通过语言调解任务扭转网络考试作弊的局面

摘要本文针对在线外语考试的问题，提出了一种策略，通过设计评估法律英语考试中调解语言技能的任务来减少学术不端行为，特别是作弊的可能性。这类任务要求考生写出原创答案，这可以显著降低抄袭和粘贴的风险。此外，掌握调解技巧是未来律师的宝贵财富。作者介绍了他们为评估法律目的的英语而开发的两个原始的不同的语言内调解任务。一个是针对一年级的法律英语经验有限的学生，而另一个是针对更高级和有经验的学生。本文分析了学生的反应并对他们的表现进行了评价。作者遵循行动研究方法，即观察、反思和行动的循环，并对答案的原创性、目标语言的可测量样本的产生、评估的客观性以及课堂上的实践是否影响成功率提出了问题。本文还讨论了在此过程中遇到的挑战以及如何解决这些挑战。可以得出结论，中介任务在在线测试中是实用的，但在传统的课堂评估中同样可以使用。

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来源期刊

Language Learning in Higher Education EDUCATION & EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH-

CiteScore

1.00

自引率

0.00%

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期刊介绍： Language Learning in Higher Education deals with the most relevant aspects of language acquisition at university. The CercleS journal presents the outcomes of research on language teaching, blended learning and autonomous learning, language assessment as well as aspects of professional development, quality assurance and university language policy. Its aim is to increase the quality of language teaching and learning programmes offered by university language centers and other providers in higher education by presenting new models and by disseminating the best results of research activities carried out at language centers and in other higher education departments.