从学习机会角度检验考试的公平性--以VETS考试为例

Investigating test fairness from the perspective of learning opportunities--A case study on VETS

本研究以实用英语交际职业技能等级考试(VETS)为例,从学习机会角度检验考试公平性。通过对2046名VETS考生的调查问卷数据和40名考生的访谈数据分析后发现:(1)VETS考生在考前有机会学习与考试相关的内容、熟悉考试的方式和流程以及熟悉考试相关设备;(2)学习机会由三大主体提供,分别为考试开发者、职业院校以及考生本人。不同主体为考生提供不同种类的机会,考生积极主动利用这些机会,成为机会受益者。研究发现为VETS考试的公平性提供了初步证据,考生反映的个别问题也能为考试开发者和职业院校进一步完善该考试提供重要启示。

This study examines the fairness of the Vocational English Test System(VETS)from the perspective of learning opportunities.Through the analysis of the survey data from 2046 VETS candidates and the interview data from 40 candidates,the following findings are discovered.Firstly,VETS candidates have the opportunities to learn the test-related materials and to familiarize themselves with the methods,procedures and equipment of the test.Secondly,learning opportunities are provided by three major entities:test developers,vocational colleges and test takers.Different subjects provide test takers with different types of opportunities,which will be highly beneficial if test-takers actively utilize them.The findings provide preliminary evidence for the fairness of VETS and offer important insights for exam developers and vocational colleges to further improve the exam based on individual issues raised by the candidates.