Increasing numbers of British universities are using the Duolingo app to assess the language skills of foreign students, according to Financial Times.
An increasing number of British universities are adopting the Duolingo language proficiency test for evaluating the English language skills of international students. This test is designed to determine whether these students possess the necessary linguistic capabilities to engage effectively in English-language courses. The one-hour test encompasses rapid-fire questions, five-minute writing exercises, and AI-generated spoken and listening tasks, aimed at providing a comprehensive assessment of language proficiency.
However, recent studies have raised concerns regarding the effectiveness of the Duolingo test in measuring important writing competencies. Karen Ottewell, the acting director of Cambridge University’s language center, voiced apprehensions that the tasks may not adequately evaluate "coherent, well-reasoned written communication." This raises questions about the potential shortcomings of relying on digital testing tools for critical language assessments that are vital for students' academic success.
As British universities grow increasingly dependent on international students, who can contribute up to £38,000 annually in tuition fees, the implications of language competency assessment take on greater importance. Ottewell highlighted that academic staff have reported a decline in students' language abilities, underscoring the need for universities to consider whether their assessment methods are truly reflective of the skills necessary for successful engagement in higher education environments.
