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6 - Testing Language Aptitude for Chinese Learners of Foreign Languages

FLAT-C vs. LLAMA

from Part II - Aptitude Testing of Diverse Groups

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 May 2023

By
Haiyong Zhao ,
Shaoqian (Sheila) Luo  and
Ailan Fu
Edited by
Zhisheng (Edward) Wen ,
Peter Skehan  and
Richard L. Sparks
Zhisheng (Edward) Wen
Affiliation:
Hong Kong Shue Yan University
Peter Skehan
Affiliation:
Institute of Education, University of London
Richard L. Sparks
Affiliation:
Mount St Joseph University
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Summary

The current study explored the concurrent and criterion-related validity of the Foreign Language Aptitude Test for Chinese Learners of Foreign Languages (FLAT-C) with LLAMA as the aptitude test external criterion, and the final-term English test as the criterion regarding achievement. The results show that although the FLAT-C is related to LLAMA, the two language aptitude tests have clear differences; FLAT-C explained 8.5% of the variance in English achievement, which is higher than predictions using LLAMA. The current study provides empirical evidence for the validation of FLAT-C, which is helpful and meaningful to advancing the theory, tests, research, and practice of foreign language aptitude in China.

Keywords

Language aptitudeLLAMAFLAT-Cconcurrent validitylanguage aptitude testpredictive validity
Type
Chapter
Information
Language Aptitude Theory and Practice , pp. 119 - 149
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2023

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