The intriguing etymology of spooky words

Language assessment has never been simple, but in today’s landscape it feels more complex than ever. Teachers are balancing classroom outcomes, learner confidence, evolving assessment practices, AI developments, test preparation, and increasingly diverse student needs and wants. Just the thought of typing all that out makes anyone wish for a simple reference guide covering the fundamentals. That's where Jarrad Merlo's A-Z of Language Testing series comes in. Available on the Pearson Test of English Teacher Hub, this collection of short, practical videos breaks down key language testing concepts into accessible, bite-sized episodes, helping educators build confidence in the science, principles and practices behind language testing. 

As teachers prepare for a new academic year, it’s the perfect time to explore the archive, strengthen your assessment toolkit and discover new ideas to bring into the classroom. 

Some highlights from the A-Z series

While every teacher will have their own favorites, a few themes from the series feel particularly valuable for building teachers' confidence in understanding language assessment.

A is for authenticity 

As teachers, we are always trying to connect classroom learning to the real world, and language assessment should do the same. The video unpacks the idea of authenticity, how closely a test can mirror the genuine communication tasks that learners encounter in their studies, work and their day-to-day life. It is a thought-provoking reminder that the most effective assessments do not just test language but the ability to use it.

C is for Concordance

As teachers, it is like being asked, "What is the Pearson Test of English Equivalent of an IELTS 6?". Jarrad explains how concordance studies compare scores from different language tests, helping educators and institutions interpret results with greater confidence. It gives viewers a practical, insightful introduction to an important concept in modern language assessment.

G is for Global Scale of English 

If you have ever looked at a student and their progress and thought They’re improving, but how do we show it?  Jarrad dives into the Global Scale of English (GSE), Pearson’s innovative framework for measuring English proficiency bands, it helps teachers and learners see progress in smaller, more meaningful steps, making it easier to track development. Set goals and celebrate improvement along the way. 

Why teachers should revisit the series before the new academic year 

With September approaching, many educators start refreshing schemes of work, reviewing resources and thinking about their professional goals for the year ahead. This makes it the perfect moment to explore the A-Z archive on the Teacher Hub. 

Through it you can discover: 

• A concept that you may have wanted to be explained 
• A fresh perspective on assessment practices 
• New ways to discuss testing with learners
• Ideas that influence how teachers approach classroom feedback 
• Greater confidence in understanding language assessment principles

Most importantly, you will start the new academic year with a stronger understanding of the science behind the tests that learners are preparing for. 

The final letter 

While the series has not reached the end of the alphabet yet, the point of reflection where it becomes preparation is here. The A-Z language testing series provides teachers with a valuable collection of insights, explanations, and practical ideas throughout the year. More than that, it has demonstrated that language assessment does not need to be mysterious, intimidating or buried somewhere. 

Sometimes all it takes is a few minutes, a great presenter and a carefully chosen letter to the alphabet. So, before the new academic year begins, grab a beverage, head to the Teacher Hub and look through the alphabet. Your future teacher self will thank you. 

From Authenticity to Global Scale of English and everything in between, the A-Z series proves language assessment doesn't have to be complicated. Explore the full collection on the Teacher Hub here and discover bite-sized insights.

AI is becoming a bigger part of our lives, including education and language learning. AI tools can give you more ways to practice a language. For example, you can use them to practice conversations or get feedback on your writing.

But it is important to use AI in the right way. AI can be a useful extra tool for language learning. It can support your learning outside the classroom, but it cannot replace teachers, lessons or real-life communication with other people.

Here are some simple ways to use AI to support your language learning.

1. Practice conversations

It is not always easy to find someone to practice speaking with. AI can give you another way to practice when you are studying by yourself. You can ask AI to have a conversation with you. For example, it could act as a shop assistant, a hotel receptionist or a new colleague.

Try asking: “Have a simple conversation with me in Spanish about ordering food. Correct my mistakes after each answer.”

Make sure you do the speaking yourself. Don't only read the AI's answers. Say your answers out loud and try to think in the language you are learning. This can be a useful way to get extra practice between lessons.

2. Ask for hints

When you are learning, it can be tempting to ask AI for the answer straight away. But you can learn more if you try to find the answer yourself first. Instead of asking for the answer, ask AI to give you a hint.

For example: “Don't give me the answer. Give me a hint.”

You could also ask: “Help me find and correct my mistake, but don't tell me the correct answer.”

This gives you support while still letting you do the important thinking and learning.

3. Get help with your writing

AI can help you look at a short piece of writing in the language you are learning. You could use it to check an email, message or short paragraph. But try not to ask AI to rewrite everything for you. If it does all the work, you may not understand your mistakes.

Instead, try asking: “Find three mistakes in my writing and explain why they are wrong. Don't rewrite the whole text.”

Then, try to correct the mistakes yourself. You can also ask your teacher for feedback. Teachers can help you understand your mistakes and tell you what you need to practice next.

4. Practice with topics you enjoy

Language learning can feel more interesting when you practice with topics you like. You can ask AI to create simple activities about your hobbies or interests. This could be your favorite music, films, sport, food or travel.

For example: “Create a B1-level German vocabulary quiz about football.”

This can give you extra ways to practice words and language that interest you. You could even take some of the new vocabulary you learn and use it in your next lesson or in a conversation with someone else.

5. Check the information AI gives you

AI can make mistakes. Sometimes it may give you information that sounds correct but is actually wrong. It may also suggest words or sentences that are correct but do not sound natural. So, don't believe everything AI tells you without checking it.

You can check information in a trusted dictionary, your course materials or another reliable language learning resource. You can also ask your teacher when you are not sure. Learning how to check information is an important skill, whether you are using AI or another source online.

6. Keep learning with teachers and other people

AI can give you more chances to practice, but it is only one tool. Teachers can explain difficult language, answer your questions and give you feedback that is right for your needs. Learning with other students can also help you share ideas and build confidence.

Speaking with real people is important too. Real conversations can be different every time, and they help you learn how to listen and respond naturally. Use AI as one part of your language learning. Keep learning with teachers, classmates and other people too.

Use AI to support your learning

AI can give you new ways to practice a language, especially when you want to do some extra learning outside your lessons. You can use it to practice conversations, get hints, check your writing and explore topics you enjoy.

But remember: AI is there to support your learning, not to replace your teacher or real-life communication.

The most important part of language learning is still you. Keep listening, speaking, reading, writing, making mistakes and practising with other people. AI can be one useful tool to help you along the way.

For admissions teams, introducing a new English language test can feel like a significant operational challenge. Questions typically arise around integration, staff training, evaluation criteria and ongoing administration. 

But the reality is: modern English tests like PTE Express are designed to fit into existing workflows, not disrupt them. 

PTE Express has been built with institutional usability at its core. It aligns to globally recognized frameworks such as the Global Scale of English (GSE), allowing institutions to set clear, consistent score requirements that map easily to existing proficiency benchmarks. 

From an operational perspective, implementation is straightforward. Admissions teams receive digital score reports through secure platforms to help eliminate manual handling and streamline verification processes. This reduces administrative burden while improving efficiency.