Dr Chihiro Inoue
Associate Professor in Language Assessment
Publications on Google Scholar
I hold a Mater’s in TESOL (Tokyo University of Foreign Studies) and a PhD in Language Testing (Lancaster University). In addition to my experience in teaching English to ESOL learners at secondary and tertiary in Japan, I have worked in roles related to various practical aspects of language testing, including item writing, item data analysis, task and rating scale development, and training of item writers and raters for English and Japanese testing organisations. Working at CRELLA has made me a proud member of a huge community of language teachers and testers from all over the world who strive for improving teaching and assessment for learners. Since 2013, I have always loved working with supportive colleagues with world-leading expertise and with flexibility at CRELLA.
My core expertise is in the mixed-method research in the assessment of L2 speaking, looking into how the task design features affect learner language and what the criterial features are that differentiate across different levels of proficiency. I have also led numerous projects and consultancies on other topics such as language assessment literacy, test accommodations, and linking exams to the CEFR. I also regularly give invited talks for policymakers, in-service teachers, graduate students, and testing organisations on topics such as principles and trends in language testing, connecting testing and teaching, and classroom-based assessment.
I currently serve on the editorial boards of Language Assessment Quarterly and Language Education and Assessment. I am also an Expert Board Member for Innovations in Language Learning and Assessment book series.
I have served a number of professional organisations: Treasurer of the UK Association for Language Testing and Assessment (UKALTA, 2016-18), Communications Officer for British Association for Applied Linguistics, Testing, Evaluation, and Assessment Special Interest Group (BAAL TEASIG, 2014-17). I am currently a UKALTA representative in the Committee for Linguistics in Education (CLiE)
I welcome proposals from prospective MA and PhD students who are interested in the assessment of L2 speaking and listening, test accommodations, as well as in other areas of language assessment. Before getting in touch, please be sure to read our guidance on applying to study at CRELLA
Students I currently supervise:
| Betty Yuzhu Su | Investigating student and teacher perceptions of using writing scales in preparing for their IELTS writing tests at a private language school in the south of China: a case study from an ecological perspective |
| James Lesley | The impact of English Medium Instruction on learners’ spoken language development in a Japanese university contex |
| Katherine Halley | The assessment of interactional competence required for multimodal HE digitally-mediated EMI classrooms in Japan and Malaysia |
| Steve Jones |
An investigation into the pertinent features of high-quality synthesis writing and the impact of teacher feedback on integrated writing skills. Recipient of 2021 Text Inspector - Research Scholarship Award |
| Jane Lloyd | How standard setting panellists arrive at their judgements of Reading items when in remote settings. |
Theses completed under my supervision:
| Dr Gwendydd Caudwell |
Moving towards a framework of reference for spoken production of young learners aged 13-15 Exploring judgements of speaking performance by native and non-native raters (MA by research) |
| Dr Alun Roger |
Examining the role of rater personality in L2 speaking tests |
| Dr Laurence Kinsella |
Vocabulary size and reading comprehension in elementary level Emirati learners of English |
| Dr Stefan O’Grady |
Investigating the effects of task manipulation in an oral proficiency exam |
| Dr Suwimol Jaiyote |
The relationship between test-takers' first language, listening proficiency and their performance on paired speaking tests |
| Martina Hulešová |
The effect of using different scoring methods for two versions of a test |
| Angela Whitehead |
An investigation of the predictive validity of the IELTS speaking test : a qualitative study of postgraduate science, technology, engineering and medical students in a British university Find more information |
Will be updated soon.
address
Professor Tony Green
Director of CRELLA
University of Bedfordshire
Putteridge Bury
Hitchin Road
Luton, Bedfordshire
UK, LU2 8LE
telephone
+44 (0)1582 489086