Writing
Self-assessing your language proficiency within the CEFRL framework (DIALANG, ONDAF, etc.)

DIALANG is an online diagnostic system designed to assess a person’s proficiency in 14 European languages. Competences tested are reading, writing, listening, grammar and vocabulary, while speaking is excluded for technical reasons.

DIALANG was designed primarily for European citizens to assess their language abilities in adherence to Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference – CEFRL – as a basis for determining language proficiency. The CEFRL is a widely recognized framework used to describe and measure the language proficiency level of a learner in a particular language. DIALANG is not an exam and does not issue certificates, but can be used by learners to systematically self-assess their language skills, identify specific weaknesses and work on them, as well as introduce both teachers and learners to the CEFRL.

DIALANG is a very useful tool for learners to self-assess their language skills, and for teachers to support them in this by integrating it into their course work. It can also help to introduce learners to online-assessment of language skills as a tool used increasingly in application processes for international scholarships and exchange programmes.

Technology required

  • PC/laptop with internet connection
  • a projector for the teacher
  • any device with internet connection for students (per student/small group)
  • To use DIALANG you need to enable JavaScript, cookies, and popups in your browser. You can enable them just for dialangweb.lancs.ac.uk if you wish. Lancaster University strongly recommends the Chrome web browser.

Material and links

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this activity, you will be able to

  • identify the language levels within the CEFRL
  • assess your own language skills within the CEFRL
  • identify specific areas that you might need to improve

Procedure

  1. Click on the DIALANG logo, or the play button, to take a test.
  2. Choose instructions in your first language on the scroll down menu.
  3. Click on the white arrows in the top left corner of the frame appearing on the screen to move forward or backward in the process.
  4. Choose a test with a focus on one of the following skills: listening, writing, reading, structures, vocabulary from the table provided
    dialang-test-grid
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to and answer the questions
    • The length of a typical DIALANG test session is 30-45 minutes, but you may choose to skip the optional placement test and the self-assessment tasks (allow 20-30 minutes to complete the language test only).
    • Note: tasks are not timed, you may take as long as you wish to complete the tasks.
  6. After the test, you will have the opportunity to explore the different kinds of feedback.

Suggestions for assessment     

Since the aim of DIALANG is for learners to self-assess their skills, the test results should not be used directly for their assessment by the teacher. Learners could use DIALANG to self-assess their progress in developing specific skills that their language course aims to develop, and could be used as part of continuous assessment.

Students could reflect on their experience with DIALANG in their course portfolio (alternatively in an essay or exam). A similar assessment framework can be used to monitor learner’s language skills before, during, and after their year abroad.

Source/attribution: DigiLanguages                Author: Sabine Egger

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Additional Content

DIALANG is an online diagnostic system designed to assess a person’s proficiency in 14 European languages. Competences tested are reading, writing, listening, grammar and vocabulary, while speaking is excluded for technical reasons.DIALANG was designed primarily for European citizens to assess their language abilities in adherence to Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference – <a href=”http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/linguistic/Source/Framework_EN.pdf” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer” data-mce-href=”http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/linguistic/Source/Framework_EN.pdf”>CEFRL</a> – as a basis for determining language proficiency. The CEFRL is a widely recognized framework used to describe and measure the language proficiency level of a learner in a particular language. DIALANG is not an exam and does not issue certificates, but can be used by learners to systematically self-assess their language skills, identify specific weaknesses and work on them, as well as introduce both teachers and learners to the CEFRL.DIALANG is a very useful tool for learners to self-assess their language skills, and for teachers to support them in this by integrating it into their course work. It can also help to introduce learners to online-assessment of language skills as a tool used increasingly in application processes for international scholarships and exchange programmes.<strong>Technology required</strong><li>PC/laptop with internet connection</li><li>a projector for the teacher</li><li>any device with internet connection for students (per student/small group)</li><li>To use DIALANG you need to enable JavaScript, cookies, and popups in your browser. You can enable them just for dialangweb.lancs.ac.uk if you wish. Lancaster University strongly recommends the <a href=”http://www.google.com/chrome” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer” data-mce-href=”http://www.google.com/chrome”>Chrome</a> web browser.</li>
<strong>Material and links</strong><li><a href=”https://dialangweb.lancaster.ac.uk/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer” data-mce-href=”https://dialangweb.lancaster.ac.uk/”>DiaLangWeb</a></li>
<br /><strong>Learning Outcomes</strong>At the end of this activity, you will be able to<li>identify the language levels within the CEFRL</li><li>assess your own language skills within the CEFRL</li><li>identify specific areas that you might need to improve</li>
<strong>Procedure</strong><li>Click on the <a href=”https://dialangweb.lancaster.ac.uk/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer” data-mce-href=”https://dialangweb.lancaster.ac.uk/”>DIALANG logo</a>, or the play button, to take a test.</li><li>Choose instructions in your first language on the scroll down menu.</li><li>Click on the white arrows in the top left corner of the frame appearing on the screen to move forward or backward in the process.</li><li>Choose a test with a focus on one of the following skills: <em>listening, writing, reading, structures, vocabulary </em>from the table provided<br />
<img class=”wp-image-3350 alignnone” src=”https://www.digilanguages.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/DiaLang-Test-Grid.png” alt=”dialang-test-grid” width=”430″ height=”270″ data-mce-src=”https://www.digilanguages.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/DiaLang-Test-Grid.png” /></li><li>Follow the on-screen instructions to and answer the questions<ul><li>The length of a typical DIALANG test session is 30-45 minutes, but you may choose to skip the optional placement test and the self-assessment tasks (allow 20-30 minutes to complete the language test only).</li><li><strong>Note:</strong> tasks are not timed, you may take as long as you wish to complete the tasks.</li>
</ul>
</li><li>After the test, you will have the opportunity to explore the different kinds of feedback.</li>
<strong>Suggestions for assessment     </strong>Since the aim of DIALANG is for learners to self-assess their skills, the test results should not be used directly for their assessment by the teacher. Learners could use DIALANG to self-assess their progress in developing specific skills that their language course aims to develop, and could be used as part of continuous assessment.Students could reflect on their experience with DIALANG in their course portfolio (alternatively in an essay or exam). A similar assessment framework can be used to monitor learner’s language skills before, during, and after their year abroad.<strong>Source/attribution:</strong> DigiLanguages                <strong>Author:</strong> Sabine Egger

DIALANG is an online diagnostic system designed to assess a person’s proficiency in 14 European languages. Competences tested are reading, writing, listening, grammar and vocabulary, while speaking is excluded for technical reasons.DIALANG was designed primarily for European citizens to assess their language abilities in adherence to Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference – <a href=”http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/linguistic/Source/Framework_EN.pdf” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer” data-mce-href=”http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/linguistic/Source/Framework_EN.pdf”>CEFRL</a> – as a basis for determining language proficiency. The CEFRL is a widely recognized framework used to describe and measure the language proficiency level of a learner in a particular language. DIALANG is not an exam and does not issue certificates, but can be used by learners to systematically self-assess their language skills, identify specific weaknesses and work on them, as well as introduce both teachers and learners to the CEFRL.DIALANG is a very useful tool for learners to self-assess their language skills, and for teachers to support them in this by integrating it into their course work. It can also help to introduce learners to online-assessment of language skills as a tool used increasingly in application processes for international scholarships and exchange programmes.<strong>Technology required</strong><li>PC/laptop with internet connection</li><li>a projector for the teacher</li><li>any device with internet connection for students (per student/small group)</li><li>To use DIALANG you need to enable JavaScript, cookies, and popups in your browser. You can enable them just for dialangweb.lancs.ac.uk if you wish. Lancaster University strongly recommends the <a href=”http://www.google.com/chrome” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer” data-mce-href=”http://www.google.com/chrome”>Chrome</a> web browser.</li>
<strong>Material and links</strong><li><a href=”https://dialangweb.lancaster.ac.uk/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer” data-mce-href=”https://dialangweb.lancaster.ac.uk/”>DiaLangWeb</a></li>
<br /><strong>Learning Outcomes</strong>At the end of this activity, you will be able to<li>identify the language levels within the CEFRL</li><li>assess your own language skills within the CEFRL</li><li>identify specific areas that you might need to improve</li>
<strong>Procedure</strong><li>Click on the <a href=”https://dialangweb.lancaster.ac.uk/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer” data-mce-href=”https://dialangweb.lancaster.ac.uk/”>DIALANG logo</a>, or the play button, to take a test.</li><li>Choose instructions in your first language on the scroll down menu.</li><li>Click on the white arrows in the top left corner of the frame appearing on the screen to move forward or backward in the process.</li><li>Choose a test with a focus on one of the following skills: <em>listening, writing, reading, structures, vocabulary </em>from the table provided<br />
<img class=”wp-image-3350 alignnone” src=”https://www.digilanguages.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/DiaLang-Test-Grid.png” alt=”dialang-test-grid” width=”430″ height=”270″ data-mce-src=”https://www.digilanguages.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/DiaLang-Test-Grid.png” /></li><li>Follow the on-screen instructions to and answer the questions<ul><li>The length of a typical DIALANG test session is 30-45 minutes, but you may choose to skip the optional placement test and the self-assessment tasks (allow 20-30 minutes to complete the language test only).</li><li><strong>Note:</strong> tasks are not timed, you may take as long as you wish to complete the tasks.</li>
</ul>
</li><li>After the test, you will have the opportunity to explore the different kinds of feedback.</li>
<strong>Suggestions for assessment     </strong>Since the aim of DIALANG is for learners to self-assess their skills, the test results should not be used directly for their assessment by the teacher. Learners could use DIALANG to self-assess their progress in developing specific skills that their language course aims to develop, and could be used as part of continuous assessment.Students could reflect on their experience with DIALANG in their course portfolio (alternatively in an essay or exam). A similar assessment framework can be used to monitor learner’s language skills before, during, and after their year abroad.<strong>Source/attribution:</strong> DigiLanguages                <strong>Author:</strong> Sabine Egger

DIALANG is an online diagnostic system designed to assess a person’s proficiency in 14 European languages. Competences tested are reading, writing, listening, grammar and vocabulary, while speaking is excluded for technical reasons.DIALANG was designed primarily for European citizens to assess their language abilities in adherence to Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference – <a href=”http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/linguistic/Source/Framework_EN.pdf” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer” data-mce-href=”http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/linguistic/Source/Framework_EN.pdf”>CEFRL</a> – as a basis for determining language proficiency. The CEFRL is a widely recognized framework used to describe and measure the language proficiency level of a learner in a particular language. DIALANG is not an exam and does not issue certificates, but can be used by learners to systematically self-assess their language skills, identify specific weaknesses and work on them, as well as introduce both teachers and learners to the CEFRL.DIALANG is a very useful tool for learners to self-assess their language skills, and for teachers to support them in this by integrating it into their course work. It can also help to introduce learners to online-assessment of language skills as a tool used increasingly in application processes for international scholarships and exchange programmes.<strong>Technology required</strong><li>PC/laptop with internet connection</li><li>a projector for the teacher</li><li>any device with internet connection for students (per student/small group)</li><li>To use DIALANG you need to enable JavaScript, cookies, and popups in your browser. You can enable them just for dialangweb.lancs.ac.uk if you wish. Lancaster University strongly recommends the <a href=”http://www.google.com/chrome” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer” data-mce-href=”http://www.google.com/chrome”>Chrome</a> web browser.</li>
<strong>Material and links</strong><li><a href=”https://dialangweb.lancaster.ac.uk/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer” data-mce-href=”https://dialangweb.lancaster.ac.uk/”>DiaLangWeb</a></li>
<br /><strong>Learning Outcomes</strong>At the end of this activity, you will be able to<li>identify the language levels within the CEFRL</li><li>assess your own language skills within the CEFRL</li><li>identify specific areas that you might need to improve</li>
<strong>Procedure</strong><li>Click on the <a href=”https://dialangweb.lancaster.ac.uk/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer” data-mce-href=”https://dialangweb.lancaster.ac.uk/”>DIALANG logo</a>, or the play button, to take a test.</li><li>Choose instructions in your first language on the scroll down menu.</li><li>Click on the white arrows in the top left corner of the frame appearing on the screen to move forward or backward in the process.</li><li>Choose a test with a focus on one of the following skills: <em>listening, writing, reading, structures, vocabulary </em>from the table provided<br />
<img class=”wp-image-3350 alignnone” src=”https://www.digilanguages.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/DiaLang-Test-Grid.png” alt=”dialang-test-grid” width=”430″ height=”270″ data-mce-src=”https://www.digilanguages.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/DiaLang-Test-Grid.png” /></li><li>Follow the on-screen instructions to and answer the questions<ul><li>The length of a typical DIALANG test session is 30-45 minutes, but you may choose to skip the optional placement test and the self-assessment tasks (allow 20-30 minutes to complete the language test only).</li><li><strong>Note:</strong> tasks are not timed, you may take as long as you wish to complete the tasks.</li>
</ul>
</li><li>After the test, you will have the opportunity to explore the different kinds of feedback.</li>
<strong>Suggestions for assessment     </strong>Since the aim of DIALANG is for learners to self-assess their skills, the test results should not be used directly for their assessment by the teacher. Learners could use DIALANG to self-assess their progress in developing specific skills that their language course aims to develop, and could be used as part of continuous assessment.Students could reflect on their experience with DIALANG in their course portfolio (alternatively in an essay or exam). A similar assessment framework can be used to monitor learner’s language skills before, during, and after their year abroad.<strong>Source/attribution:</strong> DigiLanguages                <strong>Author:</strong> Sabine Egger

DIALANG is an online diagnostic system designed to assess a person’s proficiency in 14 European languages. Competences tested are reading, writing, listening, grammar and vocabulary, while speaking is excluded for technical reasons.DIALANG was designed primarily for European citizens to assess their language abilities in adherence to Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference – <a href=”http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/linguistic/Source/Framework_EN.pdf” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer” data-mce-href=”http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/linguistic/Source/Framework_EN.pdf”>CEFRL</a> – as a basis for determining language proficiency. The CEFRL is a widely recognized framework used to describe and measure the language proficiency level of a learner in a particular language. DIALANG is not an exam and does not issue certificates, but can be used by learners to systematically self-assess their language skills, identify specific weaknesses and work on them, as well as introduce both teachers and learners to the CEFRL.DIALANG is a very useful tool for learners to self-assess their language skills, and for teachers to support them in this by integrating it into their course work. It can also help to introduce learners to online-assessment of language skills as a tool used increasingly in application processes for international scholarships and exchange programmes.<strong>Technology required</strong><li>PC/laptop with internet connection</li><li>a projector for the teacher</li><li>any device with internet connection for students (per student/small group)</li><li>To use DIALANG you need to enable JavaScript, cookies, and popups in your browser. You can enable them just for dialangweb.lancs.ac.uk if you wish. Lancaster University strongly recommends the <a href=”http://www.google.com/chrome” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer” data-mce-href=”http://www.google.com/chrome”>Chrome</a> web browser.</li>
<strong>Material and links</strong><li><a href=”https://dialangweb.lancaster.ac.uk/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer” data-mce-href=”https://dialangweb.lancaster.ac.uk/”>DiaLangWeb</a></li>
<br /><strong>Learning Outcomes</strong>At the end of this activity, you will be able to<li>identify the language levels within the CEFRL</li><li>assess your own language skills within the CEFRL</li><li>identify specific areas that you might need to improve</li>
<strong>Procedure</strong><li>Click on the <a href=”https://dialangweb.lancaster.ac.uk/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer” data-mce-href=”https://dialangweb.lancaster.ac.uk/”>DIALANG logo</a>, or the play button, to take a test.</li><li>Choose instructions in your first language on the scroll down menu.</li><li>Click on the white arrows in the top left corner of the frame appearing on the screen to move forward or backward in the process.</li><li>Choose a test with a focus on one of the following skills: <em>listening, writing, reading, structures, vocabulary </em>from the table provided<br />
<img class=”wp-image-3350 alignnone” src=”https://www.digilanguages.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/DiaLang-Test-Grid.png” alt=”dialang-test-grid” width=”430″ height=”270″ data-mce-src=”https://www.digilanguages.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/DiaLang-Test-Grid.png” /></li><li>Follow the on-screen instructions to and answer the questions<ul><li>The length of a typical DIALANG test session is 30-45 minutes, but you may choose to skip the optional placement test and the self-assessment tasks (allow 20-30 minutes to complete the language test only).</li><li><strong>Note:</strong> tasks are not timed, you may take as long as you wish to complete the tasks.</li>
</ul>
</li><li>After the test, you will have the opportunity to explore the different kinds of feedback.</li>
<strong>Suggestions for assessment     </strong>Since the aim of DIALANG is for learners to self-assess their skills, the test results should not be used directly for their assessment by the teacher. Learners could use DIALANG to self-assess their progress in developing specific skills that their language course aims to develop, and could be used as part of continuous assessment.Students could reflect on their experience with DIALANG in their course portfolio (alternatively in an essay or exam). A similar assessment framework can be used to monitor learner’s language skills before, during, and after their year abroad.<strong>Source/attribution:</strong> DigiLanguages                <strong>Author:</strong> Sabine Egger

DIALANG is an online diagnostic system designed to assess a person’s proficiency in 14 European languages. Competences tested are reading, writing, listening, grammar and vocabulary, while speaking is excluded for technical reasons.DIALANG was designed primarily for European citizens to assess their language abilities in adherence to Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference – <a href=”http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/linguistic/Source/Framework_EN.pdf” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer” data-mce-href=”http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/linguistic/Source/Framework_EN.pdf”>CEFRL</a> – as a basis for determining language proficiency. The CEFRL is a widely recognized framework used to describe and measure the language proficiency level of a learner in a particular language. DIALANG is not an exam and does not issue certificates, but can be used by learners to systematically self-assess their language skills, identify specific weaknesses and work on them, as well as introduce both teachers and learners to the CEFRL.DIALANG is a very useful tool for learners to self-assess their language skills, and for teachers to support them in this by integrating it into their course work. It can also help to introduce learners to online-assessment of language skills as a tool used increasingly in application processes for international scholarships and exchange programmes.<strong>Technology required</strong><li>PC/laptop with internet connection</li><li>a projector for the teacher</li><li>any device with internet connection for students (per student/small group)</li><li>To use DIALANG you need to enable JavaScript, cookies, and popups in your browser. You can enable them just for dialangweb.lancs.ac.uk if you wish. Lancaster University strongly recommends the <a href=”http://www.google.com/chrome” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer” data-mce-href=”http://www.google.com/chrome”>Chrome</a> web browser.</li>
<strong>Material and links</strong><li><a href=”https://dialangweb.lancaster.ac.uk/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer” data-mce-href=”https://dialangweb.lancaster.ac.uk/”>DiaLangWeb</a></li>
<br /><strong>Learning Outcomes</strong>At the end of this activity, you will be able to<li>identify the language levels within the CEFRL</li><li>assess your own language skills within the CEFRL</li><li>identify specific areas that you might need to improve</li>
<strong>Procedure</strong><li>Click on the <a href=”https://dialangweb.lancaster.ac.uk/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer” data-mce-href=”https://dialangweb.lancaster.ac.uk/”>DIALANG logo</a>, or the play button, to take a test.</li><li>Choose instructions in your first language on the scroll down menu.</li><li>Click on the white arrows in the top left corner of the frame appearing on the screen to move forward or backward in the process.</li><li>Choose a test with a focus on one of the following skills: <em>listening, writing, reading, structures, vocabulary </em>from the table provided<br />
<img class=”wp-image-3350 alignnone” src=”https://www.digilanguages.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/DiaLang-Test-Grid.png” alt=”dialang-test-grid” width=”430″ height=”270″ data-mce-src=”https://www.digilanguages.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/DiaLang-Test-Grid.png” /></li><li>Follow the on-screen instructions to and answer the questions<ul><li>The length of a typical DIALANG test session is 30-45 minutes, but you may choose to skip the optional placement test and the self-assessment tasks (allow 20-30 minutes to complete the language test only).</li><li><strong>Note:</strong> tasks are not timed, you may take as long as you wish to complete the tasks.</li>
</ul>
</li><li>After the test, you will have the opportunity to explore the different kinds of feedback.</li>
<strong>Suggestions for assessment     </strong>Since the aim of DIALANG is for learners to self-assess their skills, the test results should not be used directly for their assessment by the teacher. Learners could use DIALANG to self-assess their progress in developing specific skills that their language course aims to develop, and could be used as part of continuous assessment.Students could reflect on their experience with DIALANG in their course portfolio (alternatively in an essay or exam). A similar assessment framework can be used to monitor learner’s language skills before, during, and after their year abroad.<strong>Source/attribution:</strong> DigiLanguages                <strong>Author:</strong> Sabine Egger