Language Testing of Pre-service Foreign language Teachers in their Professional Development

Abstract

Introduction. Changes in educational goals in Ukraine, predicated by its accession to the pan-European space of higher education, have necessitated a review not only of teaching methods but also of teaching and learning materials These materials should aim to improve the language proficiency of pre-service students while equipping them with the tools necessary to address potential challenges in the classroom. Purpose. The article aims to scrutinize the role of language testing in the professional development of pre-service foreign language teachers. Methods. Reviewing studies on Methods for foreign language teaching and learning, Psychology, Pedagogy, Linguistics; analysis of curricula, syllabi, international tests, textbooks, study guides, dictionaries, including authentic ones; scientifically rigorous observation of the educational process; summarizing the positive work experience of university teachers. Results. Recognizing the lack of teaching materials, a group of university teachers from Ukrainian Institute of Arts and Sciences developed and published a manual “English Tests For University Students”. Subsequent experience with the book revealed the students’ positive attitudes towards language testing for assessing their foreign language communicative competence, citing its objectivity and validity. University teachers also highlighted the practicality, convenience, and cost-effectiveness of this form of assessment. Conclusion. Overall, despite obvious advantages of and progress in language testing, its wide-scale implementation requires university teachers to possess adequate knowledge and experience in this area, as well as awareness and readiness for its regular use in the classroom. Moreover, the development of tests remains challenging due to its time-consuming nature and the need for relevant theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and experience. This has resulted in a shortage of tests for pre-service foreign language teachers. Further research in this domain seems perspective for our future work.