Language tests play pivotal roles in education, research on learning, and gate-keeping decisions. The central concern for language testing professionals is how to investigate whether or not tests are appropriate for their intended purposes. This book introduces an argument-based validity framework to help with the design of research that investigates the validity of language test interpretation and use. The book presents the principal concepts and technical terms, then shows how they can be implemented successfully in practice through a variety of validation studies. It also demonstrates how argument-based validity intersects with technology in language testing research and highlights the use of validity argument for identifying research questions and interpreting the results of validation research. Use of the framework helps researchers in language testing to communicate clearly and consistently about technical issues with each other and with researchers of other types of tests.

Language tests play pivotal roles in education, research on learning, and gate-keeping decisions. The central concern for language testing professionals is how to investigate whether or not tests are appropriate for their intended purposes. This book introduces an argument-based validity framework to help with the design of research that investigates the validity of language test interpretation and use. The book presents the principal concepts and technical terms, then shows how they can be implemented successfully in practice through a variety of validation studies. It also demonstrates how argument-based validity intersects with technology in language testing research and highlights the use of validity argument for identifying research questions and interpreting the results of validation research. Use of the framework helps researchers in language testing to communicate clearly and consistently about technical issues with each other and with researchers of other types of tests.

This book draws on theory, research, and practice-oriented literature to offer an introduction to flipped learning and offer busy instructors advice on how to flip their academic English language courses. The chapters balance theoretical foundations, practical applications, and useful resources for developing materials. The first half of this book defines flipped learning and academic English, describes how it supports English language learning, and explains the role of technology, as well as issues with accountability and feedback. The second half of the book then makes connections between the theoretical issues presented in the first three chapters and the practical applications in the following chapters, which provide lesson descriptions and assessment ideas for language learning contexts with or without access to technology. The book concludes with a list of tools and technologies for developing materials and activities, as well as additional resources for professional development and further exploration of flipped English language learning.