Iranian Efl Learners' Attitude, Preference, And Familiarity With Test Performance On Cbt And Ppt
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Date
2015-02
Authors
HOSSEINI, MONIROSADAT
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Abstract
This study investigates the comparability of test results in Computer Based Test (CBT) and Paper-and-Pencil Test (PPT) by comparing the mean scores of two test modes among distance English language learners of Payame Noor University (PNU) in Iran. Besides, it seeks to probe the probable relationship between their attitude towards the use of computer and test performance on CBT. In addition, it attempts to examine the correlation between participants' computer familiarity and their test results on CBT. It also seeks to discover the test mode preference of test takers and their results on CBT. This research employs a mixed method design. A total of 202 English language learners from Tehran Payame Noor University Center participated in this study. All participants were administered two equivalent tests from the General English course book, one in paper-and-pencil mode, and the other in computer-based mode with the interval of four weeks. After conducting two equivalent tests, a Likert rating-scale questionnaire consisted of two parts, which was piloted before main study, was given to all participants. The first part of the questionnaire, adapted from Computer Attitude Scale (CAS) developed by Loyd and Gressard (1985), was used to elicit information about attitude of participants. Focus group interview was conducted among 14 students to discover the reasons for their test mode preference for PPT or CBT. The results of quantitative analysis showed significant difference between mean scores of two tests with the higher score on PPT. However, it was shown that there is no significant difference in CBT scores between two gender and age groups. Besides, the research revealed no significant
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relationship between attitude towards the use of computer and computer familiarity with test results on CBT. It also found no significant difference between the level of attitude among older and younger groups; nonetheless, the male group showed higher positive attitude, and younger students showed higher familiarity with computer. In qualitative analysis, respondents justified the reasons of their preference for CBT. In addition, they revealed generally more preference for CBT but did better on PPT. Overall, the results supports that in the era of technology development, it is necessary to include computers in lower level of educations and learning contexts to make using it more ordinary. The results implied that teaching and testing instruments should be in parallel with each other to get a desirable result from both teaching and testing. The findings indicated that transition from traditional test administration mode to more modern and technological mode through computers in distance educational systems needs more investigations and time to cope with the barriers for equivalency of two tests. Moreover, the substitution of CBT for PPT is inevitable in the future, especially in language teaching contexts.
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Iranian Efl Learners' Attitude, Preference, And Familiarity , With Test Performance On Cbt And Ppt