Dynamic Diagnostic Language Assessment - Conceptual and Practical Innovation in Foreign Language Education and Assessment

The Dynamic Diagnostic Language Assessment (DD-LANG) project aims to create a framework that bridges formal testing with classroom assessment. The conceptual goal of DD-LANG is to elaborate an integrated framework that merges two approaches to assessment that supports learning: dynamic and diagnostic assessment. Dynamic assessment is based on the socio-cultural theory of learning, particularly on the work by Lev Vygotsky. For its part, diagnostic assessment relies on the theories and research on language learning and language assessment.

Table of contents

Project duration
-
Core fields of research
Languages, culture and society
Learning, teaching and interaction
Research areas
Assessment of language proficiency and for learning
Language in communities and societies
Department
Centre for Applied Language Studies
Faculty
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Funding
Research Council of Finland
and the Ģֱ 1.9.2022 - 31.8.2026.

Project description

The Dynamic Diagnostic Language Assessment (DD-LANG) project elaborates a framework that coherently bridges formal testing with classroom assessment according to common theoretical principles and produces practical tools and procedures for assessment that supports learning. The conceptual goal of DD-LANG is to elaborate an integrated framework, merging dynamic and diagnostic assessment. Dynamic assessment is based on the sociocultural theory of learning, particularly on the work by Lev Vygotsky who studied the development of children in the early 1900s. For its part, diagnostic assessment relies on the theories and research on language learning and language assessment.

Development of the framework is studied through its implementation in the context of Finnish upper secondary school (Gymnasium) with the focus on learning reading and writing in English and on teacher and learner preparation for the English portion of the Matriculation Exam. A longitudinal research design includes two types of groups that differ with respect the exercises they take as part of their English studies, and it involves both a computerized DD-LANG procedure in addition to ongoing, classroom-based DD-LANG aimed at identifying and pursuing appropriate instructional targets with learners.

We, as the project team, believe that DD-LANG offers potential for creating a new conceptual framework that merges the two assessment approaches that developed independently of each other and for having a positive impact on language learning, teaching and assessment in the classroom.

DD-LANG Privacy notices (in Finnish)

Presentations and events

Publications

Project team

Project leaders

Ari Huhta

Ari Huhta

Professor, Head of Department

Project members

Dmitri Leontjev

Dmitri Leontjev

Senior Researcher

Kristina Koskela

Research Assistant
Ghulam Khushik

Ghulam Khushik

Visiting Researcher
Vera Vesala

Vera Vesala

Doctoral Researcher

External members

Matthew Poehner

Professor of Education

Roman Yangarber

Associate Professor

Eunice Jang

Professor

Luke Harding

Professor

Tineke Brunfaut

Professor

Marta Antón

Professor Emerita

Richard Donato

Professor Emeritus

Yaru Meng

Professor

Rémi van Compernolle

Professor

Tziona Levi

Director of English Language Education
Ministry of Education, Israel

Asko Tolvanen

Professor
Department of Psychology, Ģֱ

Pirjo Pollari

Teacher Training School, Ģֱ

Raili Hildén

Professor
University of Helsinki

Anu Halvari

Finnish National Agency for Education