Adapting IELTS Examinations: Video Call Speaking Tests in South Korea’s COVID-19 Era

Nicholas Simpson

Adapting IELTS Examinations: Video Call Speaking Tests in South Korea’s COVID-19 Era

Nicholas Simpson

English Language Centre

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

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Abstract

This case study examines how IELTS Speaking examiners in South Korea adapted to the transition from face-to-face examining to online video examining in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. It uses activity theory to identify key activity systems within the transition and to identify contradictions and tensions in the process. Analysis suggests that the three main activity systems involved in the delivery of video call IELTS tests are impacted in three ways: through the implementation of new and unfamiliar technology, through strain placed on administrative test staff, and through insufficient training and onboarding of examiners. The paper ends with a call to arms to test professionals and organizations to embrace Engeström’s (2001) concept of expansive transformation as IELTS testing continues its move online.

Original language	English
Journal	KoTESOL
Volume	20
Issue number	1
Publication status	Published - 1 Aug 2024

Keywords

IELTS, online assessment, ELT assessment, IELTS Speaking test, COVID-19

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KTJ 299 Simpson - IELTS Empirical Research Case Study_revisedNSAccepted author manuscript, 1.03 MB

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title = "Adapting IELTS Examinations: Video Call Speaking Tests in South Korea{\textquoteright}s COVID-19 Era",

abstract = "This case study examines how IELTS Speaking examiners in South Korea adapted to the transition from face-to-face examining to online video examining in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. It uses activity theory to identify key activity systems within the transition and to identify contradictions and tensions in the process. Analysis suggests that the three main activity systems involved in the delivery of video call IELTS tests are impacted in three ways: through the implementation of new and unfamiliar technology, through strain placed on administrative test staff, and through insufficient training and onboarding of examiners. The paper ends with a call to arms to test professionals and organizations to embrace Engestr{\"o}m{\textquoteright}s (2001) concept of expansive transformation as IELTS testing continues its move online. ",

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N2 - This case study examines how IELTS Speaking examiners in South Korea adapted to the transition from face-to-face examining to online video examining in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. It uses activity theory to identify key activity systems within the transition and to identify contradictions and tensions in the process. Analysis suggests that the three main activity systems involved in the delivery of video call IELTS tests are impacted in three ways: through the implementation of new and unfamiliar technology, through strain placed on administrative test staff, and through insufficient training and onboarding of examiners. The paper ends with a call to arms to test professionals and organizations to embrace Engeström’s (2001) concept of expansive transformation as IELTS testing continues its move online.

AB - This case study examines how IELTS Speaking examiners in South Korea adapted to the transition from face-to-face examining to online video examining in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. It uses activity theory to identify key activity systems within the transition and to identify contradictions and tensions in the process. Analysis suggests that the three main activity systems involved in the delivery of video call IELTS tests are impacted in three ways: through the implementation of new and unfamiliar technology, through strain placed on administrative test staff, and through insufficient training and onboarding of examiners. The paper ends with a call to arms to test professionals and organizations to embrace Engeström’s (2001) concept of expansive transformation as IELTS testing continues its move online.

KW - IELTS, online assessment, ELT assessment, IELTS Speaking test, COVID-19

M3 - Article

SN - 1598-0464

VL - 20

JO - KoTESOL

JF - KoTESOL

IS - 1

ER -

Adapting IELTS Examinations: Video Call Speaking Tests in South Korea’s COVID-19 Era

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