Test-takers' interaction with an L2 video listening test

Abstract Video technology is commonly used in L2 classrooms, but it is rarely used in assessing L2 listening, and there is little research investigating how L2 listeners process video texts (spoken texts that include the visual channel). The purpose of this study is to examine how L2 test-takers interact with a video listening test: the rate L2 listening test-takers actually view the video texts used in an L2 listening test; the extent to which the viewing rate correlates with performance on the test; and the test-takers' attitudes toward the inclusion of the visual channel on listening tests. Test-takers were videotaped while taking a video listening test, and the rate they viewed the video screen was analyzed and correlated with test performance and attitudes toward the use of video texts. The results suggest that these test-takers viewed the video texts less than half of the time, and there was a weak negative correlation between viewing rate and test performance. Test-takers also reported positive attitudes toward the inclusion of the visual channel on L2 listening tests. Implications for the testing of L2 listening ability are examined.

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