The Criteria and Basic Principles in National Foreign Language Testing and Assessment System in China

On the Second International Conference on Language Testing and Assessment sponsored by Ministry of Education （MOU） of China and Zhejiang University on November 11-13， 2016， Associate Minister of MOU LIN Huiqing stressed “learning languages of other countries now is an important approach to mutual communication， learning from each other， collaborative development， and accommodating each other”， and she mentioned that in September， 2014， the State Council of China issued “The Suggestions on Deepening the Reform of College Entrance Examination and Recruitment”， in which “ to promote the build-up of the testing and assessment system of foreign language proficiency” was firstly clarified from the national level.

To promote this， we need to pay much attention to the following criterias and basic principles：

I. The key is how to use the Scales of language proficiency

It is a milestone to design the Scales of English language proficiency in China. But similar to other reforms like Gaokao， it is not easy to implement the scales in foreign language teaching， learning， and assessment among such a large population and vast land. There will be a gap between “existing” and “implementing” of the Scales. It might take effect in some regions even after the Scales have existed for a long time.

II. Design Examinations based on SCALES

SCALES plays an important role-a basic reference for all foreign language examinations. To design examinations based on SCALES may guarantee a systematic and scientific examination. Take CET for example， we have spent much time and money on it but it is far from satisfactory. One of the most important reasons is the lack of the common and continuous reference for foreign language teachers， learners， users and assessment specialists.

III. Design SCALES and Examinations based on relevant Researches

Vision guides action and direction determines the future. We need carry out a large number of relevant researches before we design SCALES or examinations. Both have their own regulations. All actions should be based on relevant researches. We strongly suggest that more and more conferences and seminars on this hot issue be sponsored by the governments， associations and outstanding scholars or researchers.

IV. Furtherly classify the English Proficiency at the Breakthrough level

English is the most influential foreign language to most language learners and users in China. Frankly speaking， most are English language beginners. Even so， each individual presents different English proficiency. For example， one may be good at speaking， another may have a good command of writing. We need to furtherly classify the English Proficiency of each individual learners and users to motivate their interest.

V. The awareness of the interdependence between language and culture

All foreign language learners and users need be aware of the interdependence between language and culture. Both SCALES or examinations need cover the culture that the foreign language presents and contains. Teachers should teach the students to express their ideas in the way foreigners accept.

*四川省社科規劃辦“2016年外語專項”編號：SC16WY028。

作者簡介：侯光海（1978-），男，西南科技大學講師，西班牙馬拉加大學與澳大利亞昆士蘭大學聯合培養博士（語言學、文學及翻譯專業），地中海研究會、協作式教育國際研究會會員等。主研方向：外語教育教學法與國際高等教育對比研究。