Jessica Wu

Topic : The BEST Test of English Proficiency: Toward a Comprehensive Approach to Language Learning, Teaching, and Assessment

Abstract

In 2021, the Ministry of Education launched the BEST Program for College Students in Taiwan to improve their international competitiveness through English Medium Instruction (EMI). The program aims to establish a comprehensive learning system that integrates learning, teaching, and assessment based on the concept of learning-oriented assessment. As part of this initiative, the BEST Test of English Proficiency (BESTEP) will be launched in September 2023 to evaluate students' written and oral abilities required in Taiwan's EMI context. This presentation provides an overview of the BESTEP, demonstrates how assessment feedback can optimize the EAP teaching and learning in Taiwan, and discusses potential collaborations among policy, teaching, and assessment to overcome the challenges of promoting bilingual learning. The presentation concludes by urging the EAP/EMI community to actively participate in the BESTEP Project toward a comprehensive approach to learning, teaching, and assessment.

Bio data

Jessica Wu holds a PhD in Language Testing and serves as Director General for R&D at the LTTC. Since 1999, she has been dedicated to the development of glocalized tests in Taiwan, including the General English Proficiency Test, and most recently, the BEST Test of English Proficiency for College Students. Internationally recognized in the testing community, she received the Alan Davies Lecture Award in 2022, becoming the first non-native English-speaking recipient.