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BA Students’ Perceptions of Standardized English Tests

Abstract

This research examines the perceptions of a group BA students of English a s a foreign language regarding standardized English tests at a school of languages in the estate of Veracruz, Mexico. In this school program, all students take the same evaluations in order to assess their English proficiency level. This research study made use of a questionnaire containing both open-ended and close-ended questions to examine students’ viewpoints about tests design, validity, fairness and reliability. Numeric data as well as the participants’ viewpoints and comments were used to support and present the findings. By analyzing the students’ questionnaire answers, it was possible to identify whether the participants thought this type of assessment was fair, reliable, and valid in evaluating their proficiency level. In addition, this research helped identify weaknesses and strengths of standardized exams in this context.

Keywords

standardized exams, assessment, EFL, students’ perceptions

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Author Biography

Enrique Vez López

Doctor en Ciencias del Lenguaje

Karla Elizabeth Molina Muñoz

Maestra en Enseñanza del inglés como lengua extranjera

Diana Iveth Sánchez Hernández

Maestra en Enseñanza del inglés como lengua extranjera, Universidad Veracruzana


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