Mobile-Assisted Language Assessment: Assessing speaking

The present study was intended to investigate the feasibility of Mobile-Assisted Language Assessment as well as the learners' attitudes to such phenomenon. This was achieved with the use of electronic portfolios and a social networking application (WhatsApp) on smart mobile phones. Seventeen advanced-level learners of English doing an FCE preparation course participated in this study. Every session one participant volunteered to record a two-minute speech on the second task of the FCE speaking module and shared her recording on the WhatsApp group consisting of all class members as well as the teacher. In the end, the participants were interviewed for their attitudes and views on the method used to assess their speaking proficiency. The results indicated mixed attitudes towards MALA on the side of the learners; the concerns were mainly regarding fairness and lack of authentic communication. It is suggested that MALA be used alongside other forms of assessment to form part of the learners' final score.