ESL student perspectives on university classroom testing practices

Abstract

ESL students struggle to represent accurately on tests what they know. Understanding what constitutes equitable testing practices in university settings for ESL students poses a significant challenge to educators. This study reports on the content analysis of semi-structured interview data obtained from 13 university-level ESL students on their opinions, concerns, strategies, and preferences in testing. ESL students provide evidence that language proficiency, test anxiety, and preferences for particular test formats, such as multiple-choice over essay questions, affect their ability to demonstrate content knowledge. Students describe context, culture, and seven language-related problems in testing, and show awareness of various test-taking strategies. The results suggest practical implications for making testing outcomes more equitable for ESL students.