How research-grade precision assessment drives student progress
Versant by Pearson deliveries measurable progress and motivates students to achieve
In the ever-evolving landscape of learning education, it's crucial for educators and researchers to find reliable and efficient assessment tools. A university English teacher in Japan used the Versant by Pearson English Placement Test (VEPT) for a replication research project on task-based, technology-mediated language teaching, gaining results that went beyond his expectations.
Industry: Education Location: Japan Solution: Versant by Pearson
Challenge
To find a reliable way to measure student progress
A university English teacher in Japan started a study designed to replicate previous research that examined the effects of video-making tasks on students’ English speaking skills.
He needed a testing tool that could accurately capture changes in students' proficiency before and after the intervention, to ensure that changes could be precisely measured and meaningfully compared.
Solution
AI-powered assessment that's precise and easy to use
The teacher chose the Versant by Pearson English Placement Test to measure student progress. Designed to assess speaking, listening, reading, and writing, the VEPT uses a detailed scoring range (10–90) on the Global Scale of English (GSE), making it possible to detect even small improvements in proficiency.
He found VEPT to be user-friendly, thanks to clear instructions, practice exercises and instructional videos. Its online delivery and fast, AI-powered scoring were ideal for a research setting where time and resources were limited.
Results
Clear insights that drive student progress
VEPT enabled the collection of complete pre- and post-test data. Early analysis showed measurable improvements in students’ speaking skills – from an average of 29.65 pre-test speaking scores to 32.18 post-test – that might have gone unnoticed with less precise tools.
Feedback from students showed that they found the test easy to use, and appreciated the detailed feedback on their language abilities. Clear instructions and accurate scores created a positive experience, while specific "Can-Do" statements and evidence of progress helped boost motivation and engagement.
Versant by Pearson English Placement Test allowed me to see an increase in speaking proficiency across all participants, which may have gone undetected if I had used a test with less precise scoring. The evidence of improvement also enhanced students’ motivation and engagement.
Martyn McGettigan, Hiroshima City University