@conference {2641, title = {Is CAT Suitable for Automated Speaking Test?}, booktitle = {IACAT 2017 Conference}, year = {2017}, month = {08/2017}, publisher = {Niigata Seiryo University}, organization = {Niigata Seiryo University}, address = {Niigata, Japan}, abstract = {

We have developed automated scoring system of Japanese speaking proficiency, namely SJ-CAT (Speaking Japanese Computerized Adaptive Test), which is operational for last few months. One of the unique features of the test is an adaptive test base on polytomous IRT.

SJ-CAT consists of two sections; Section 1 has sentence reading aloud tasks and a multiple choicereading tasks and Section 2 has sentence generation tasks and an open answer tasks. In reading aloud tasks, a test taker reads a phoneme-balanced sentence on the screen after listening to a model reading. In a multiple choice-reading task, a test taker sees a picture and reads aloud one sentence among three sentences on the screen, which describe the scene most appropriately. In a sentence generation task, a test taker sees a picture or watches a video clip and describes the scene with his/her own words for about ten seconds. In an open answer tasks, the test taker expresses one\’s support for or opposition to e.g., a nuclear power generation with reasons for about 30 seconds.

In the course of the development of the test, we found many unexpected and unique characteristics of speaking CAT, which are not found in usual CATs with multiple choices. In this presentation, we will discuss some of such factors that are not previously noticed in our previous project of developing dichotomous J-CAT (Japanese Computerized Adaptive Test), which consists of vocabulary, grammar, reading, and listening. Firstly, we will claim that distribution of item difficulty parameters depends on the types of items. An item pool with unrestricted types of items such as open questions is difficult to achieve ideal distributions, either normal distribution or uniform distribution. Secondly, contrary to our expectations, open questions are not necessarily more difficult to operate in automated scoring system than more restricted questions such as sentence reading, as long as if one can set up suitable algorithm for open question scoring. Thirdly, we will show that the speed of convergence of standard deviation of posterior distribution, or standard error of theta parameter in polytomous IRT used for SJCAT is faster than dichotomous IRT used in J-CAT. Fourthly, we will discuss problems in equation of items in SJ-CAT, and suggest introducing deep learning with reinforcement learning instead of equation. And finally, we will discuss the issues of operation of SJ-CAT on the web, including speed of scoring, operation costs, security among others.

Session Video

}, keywords = {Automated Speaking Test, CAT, language testing}, author = {Shingo Imai} } @conference {2660, title = {MHK-MST Design and the Related Simulation Study}, booktitle = {IACAT 2017 Conference}, year = {2017}, month = {08/2017}, publisher = {Niigata Seiryo University}, organization = {Niigata Seiryo University}, address = {Niigata, Japan}, abstract = {

The MHK is a national standardized exam that tests and rates Chinese language proficiency. It assesses non-native Chinese minorities\’ abilities in using the Chinese language in their daily, academic and professional lives; Computerized multistage adaptive testing (MST) is a combination of conventional paper-and-pencil (P\&P) and item level computerized adaptive test (CAT), it is a kind of test forms based on computerized technology, take the item set as the scoring unit. It can be said that, MST estimate the Ability extreme value more accurate than conventional paper-and-pencil (P\&P), also used the CAT auto-adapted characteristic to reduce the examination length and the score time of report. At present, MST has used in some large test, like Uniform CPA Examination and Graduate Record Examination(GRE). Therefore, it is necessary to develop the MST of application in China.

Based on consideration of the MHK characteristics and its future development, the researchers start with design of MHK-MST. This simulation study is conducted to validate the performance of the MHK -MST system. Real difficulty parameters of MHK items and the simulated ability parameters of the candidates are used to generate the original score matrix and the item modules are delivered to the candidates following the adaptive procedures set according to the path rules. This simulation study provides a sound basis for the implementation of MHK-MST.

Session Video

}, keywords = {language testing, MHK, multistage testing}, author = {Ling Yuyu and Zhou Chenglin and Ren Jie} }