Overview

The book offers a fresh perspective on second language assessment, addressing the need for approaches that reflect the complexity of real-life communication in a connected, multimodal world. Grounded in learning-oriented assessment, it investigates the interplay between language ability, speaking performance, and topical knowledge. The study outlines the theoretical foundations, development process, and implementation of a new assessment prototype, supported by empirical research. The book contributes to ongoing dialogue on how language testing can better support learning, teaching, and real-world communication.

Full Product Details

Author:   Claudia Harsch ,  Giulia Peri
Publisher:   Peter Lang AG
Imprint:   Peter Lang AG
Edition:   New edition
Volume:   49
Weight:   0.506kg
ISBN:  

9783631927755

ISBN 10:   3631927754
Pages:   318
Publication Date:   09 December 2025
Audience:   Professional and scholarly ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Manufactured on demand  
We will order this item for you from a manufactured on demand supplier.

Table of Contents

Chapter I - Introduction - 1. Background to the study - 2. Purpose of the study - 3. Research questions - 4. Significance of the study - 5. Limitations of the study - 6. Summary - Chapter II: Literature review - 1. Models of language ability - 2. Speaking ability - 3. Exploring academic Italian - 4. Topical knowledge - 5. Assessing speaking through scenario-based assessment - 6. Summary - Chapter III: Methodology - 1. Context of the study - 2. Study participants - 3. Instruments - 4. Data collection procedures - 5. Data analysis procedures - 6. Summary - Chapter IV: Findings and discussion - 1. Analyses of the grammar knowledge task - 2. Topical knowledge tasks - 3. Speaking tasks - 4. The Italian SBA post-test experience survey - 5. The relationships between topical knowledge and speaking performance - 6. Speaking performance and l2 proficiency level - 7. Summary - Chapter V: Conclusions - 1. Summary and interpretation of the results - 2. Implications - 3. Suggestions for future research - References - Appendix a – additional tables & figures - Appendix b - the Italian SBA post-test experience survey - Appendix c – Italian SBA rating scale

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Author Information

Giulia Peri, PhD from the University for Foreigners of Siena, is a Research Fellow at the University’s CILS Centre (Certification of Italian as a Foreign Language). Her research interests include S/FL Italian teaching and learning, language testing and assessment, and technology. She has published in national and international journals and books.

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