™ PASSPORT TO SUCCESS™ : May 2009 © 2005-2009 Babowal & Associates, Inc. ™ PASSPORT TO SUCCESS™ ARELS-American Examinations™
Specializing in listening and speaking
Previously known as Oxford-ARELS American
Who Can Take the Tests : Winter 2008-9 © 2005-2009 Babowal & Associates, Inc. Who Can Take the Tests • ARELS-American Examinations (AAE) are
recommended for adults.
• Coming soon: AAE junior exams for individuals between fourteen and eighteen years old soon.
* For exam and standards descriptions see: ARELS American Syllabuses. (create link)
General Age : Winter 2008-9 © 2005-2009 Babowal & Associates, Inc. General Age Junior Level 14 - 18 years
(Coming Soon)
Beginning Level 17 years +
Intermediate Level 18 years +
Advanced Level 22 years +
Assessing English has just become easier : Winter 2008-9 © 2005-2009 Babowal & Associates, Inc. Assessing English has just become easier AAE offers a series of exams to assist you and your students in the learning process. Exams are:
• Set at three levels of performance
because one size does not fit all.
• Standardized and have high levels of
quality control.
• More portable, as they use international standards and are delivered over the
internet.
Testimonials : WINTER 2008-9 © 2005-2009 Babowal & Associates, Inc. Testimonials AAE are the Rolls Royce of tests. Tom Bauer, Consultant California Department of Education
AAE are always filled with practical
tasks in everyday situations. My students
enjoy taking the tests and always see the
relevance. Dr. Bill Twyford, Director of IICD
AAE increased our associates ability to
interact with our patrons. David Cash, Marriot Food Services
About AAE : Winter 2008-9 © 2005-2009 Babowal & Associates, Inc. About AAE • AAE are practical. The exams use scenarios, simulations and/or case studies which are based on authentic situations.
• AAE seek, as far as is possible, to put participants into a natural, relaxed state.
• Participants are encouraged to see the purpose and
relevance of what they are asked to do.
• Participants are to expect interesting opportunities for them to display their varied language skills with appropriate confidence.
Linguistic Approach : Winter 2008-9 © 2005-2009 Babowal & Associates, Inc. Linguistic Approach • AAE tests do not require a particular curriculum for success.
• The exams are developed using the Socio-Communicative Approach, the most commonly used methodology in the world.
Context : Winter 2008-9 © 2005-2009 Babowal & Associates, Inc. Context • Each exam is set in a realistic context, e.g. social, work-related, academic, corresponding to the need and experiences of the designated target population.
• Material within a subtext/test are similarly linked to an appropriate situation most often using simulations, scenarios or case studies.
• Test-takers are placed in familiar situations with, which they can identify and are asked to respond as themselves.
• No de-contextualized or theoretical materials are used.
Functions : Winter 2008-9 © 2005-2009 Babowal & Associates, Inc. Functions • Within each context, participants are required to understand and respond to a range of appropriate language functions, e.g., statements, questions, etc.
• Each subtext/test/question targets one or more functions, e.g. interpreting information, explaining a problem, recognizing details, and describing familiar objects, etc.
• These functions are common to social , academic, and business interactions, though the language needed may vary.
Testing Modes : Winter 2008-9 © 2005-2009 Babowal & Associates, Inc. Testing Modes • AAE are professionally animated or recorded by actors for test-takers to interact.
• The tests typically last from 40 - 120 minutes depending level and areas tested.
• Test-takers listen and record most of their answers directly onto a computer with a microphone and/or keyboard.
• In some comprehension subtests test-takers will include speaking, writing or check appropriate replies cued by graphics or/and visuals.
Grading Processes : Winter 2008-9 © 2005-2009 Babowal & Associates, Inc. Grading Processes • Listening comprehension questions are answered by checking or writing replies (machine-graded).
• Short, spoken/ written answers are graded by human graders by reference to a style (0 - 5) of descriptors, e.g. for content, appropriateness, etc.
• More extensive spoken or written answers are graded by graders with reference to a range (0 - 5) of descriptors, e.g. for content, appropriateness, etc;
• Simple writing sample answers are graded when possible by machine.
• The test-takers’ answers are sent by internet for central grading and the results are usually available within hours.
Graders : Winter 2008-9 © 2005-2009 Babowal & Associates, Inc. Graders • Each test is graded whenever possible by machine.
• When machine grading is not possible, two trained, experienced professional graders grade each test separately.
• Graders scoring are calibrated regularly.
• Where the results do not correlate within a narrow range, a master grader arbitrates and adjusts the grading.
• The master graders also ensures reliability by re-grading a sample of all tests.
• Tests examined by three graders or scores very low/high in one or more section are also re-examined by a special Examining Board twice a year.
Reliability : Winter 2008-9 © 2005-2009 Babowal & Associates, Inc. Reliability • Careful grading procedures ensure FACILITY COEFFICIENTS of at least 94% and SCORER RELIABILITY of over 96%
• Since the tests are prerecorded, test-takers listen to the same types of material, thus variables in the testing situation are minimized.
• Test-takers responses provide a durable record of performance that can be re-checked as needed.
º Exams has been and is regularly compared with other testing systems.
Validity : Winter 2008-9 © 2005-2009 Babowal & Associates, Inc. Validity • Since AAE mirror real-life situations that are familiar to most test-takers the biasness and validity are never an issue.
• AAE maintains concurrent validity, in that performance in the task and functions, which make up the subtests, are compared with performance in such tests as the Language Proficiency Interview, IELTS, Cambridge, TOEFL and TOEIC.
Other Services Available : Winter 2008-9 © 2005-2009 Babowal & Associates, Inc. Other Services Available • Placement test is constructed for college level based on Foreign Service requirements and is criterion referenced.
• AAE International Services: Training and testing services designed to train and evaluate native English speakers to adapt his/her variety of English to multicultural and/or global business environment.
• On-line English Screening Testing: Anyone can buy and take an English test online. These test are Not High Risk, but will give the test-taker a good indication of their skills. Tests taken at approved centers are high risk tests.
Contact : Winter 2008-9 © 2005-2009 Babowal & Associates, Inc. Contact Babowal & Associates, Inc.
• Headquarters: San Jose, CA
• Public Relations, Marketing &
Public Affairs Office: Carlsbad, CA
Phone: (760)695-9000
Email: chris@babowal.net