Founded in 1925, the University of Bari Aldo Moro in Italy has around 60,000 undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate students across three campuses. Testing students’ English language levels is important for the University. Its Language Centre has offered Cambridge English Qualifications for more than 20 years, and started using Linguaskill in 2022.
An online test to meet a variety of needs
The Language Centre at the University of Bari Aldo Moro offers language courses for university students, academic and administrative staff as well as for external students. The courses combine traditional forms of teaching with innovative multimedia materials. Linguaskill is offered to those who need to certify their level of English for study or work reasons. “Testing the English language levels of students is important for our university,” explains Professor Concetta Cavallini, President of the Language Centre. “We use Linguaskill for admission, graduation and for outgoing Erasmus students who need to show their skills in English language. We also use it for our employees who want to demonstrate their English skills for career progression.”
Adaptive technology makes every test unique
Linguaskill is powered by artificial intelligence, which means that it’s suitable for all abilities and offers a personalised experience. “The most appreciated feature of the test is the fact that it is adaptive,” says Professor Cavallini. “The questions vary according to the level of the candidate: questions become easier or more difficult depending on the candidate’s previous answer. As a result, every candidate receives a unique version of the test which is adapted to their ability level.”
Flexible English language testing with fast results
Linguaskill tests all four language skills – speaking, writing, reading and listening – in modules. The Language Centre mainly uses the 3-module bundled test – Reading and Listening, Writing, and Speaking – but students can choose to do the modules separately, depending on which skills they need to assess. “We chose Linguaskill because it combines the latest technology with the reliability we expect from Cambridge English,” explains Professor Cavallini. “The benefits of Linguaskill are important for our students’ needs. We particularly appreciate the fact that the test is on demand, so that our students can choose the best suitable date to take the test. We really like the fact that Linguaskill quickly measures our students’ level, and in fact candidates get their results back in less than two days.” The Language Centre’s students also value Linguaskill’s flexibility, as one candidate explains: “Linguaskill’s modular design makes it really simple to retake individual modules, if you want to show improvements in a specific skill or increase your score. And then you can combine these results with your existing results. In fact, Linguaskill automatically selects the best marks in each module to create the combined final score.”
Easy administration and invigilation
Linguaskill can test the English level of individuals or groups of candidates. Candidates can take it anywhere at any time, and it’s easy to set up and run, as Centre Exams Manager Claudia Castorani explains: “Setting up a Linguaskill test is very easy, it only takes a few minutes. The online test can be easily administered and invigilated at any time, at any venue. All you need is a computer, a good internet connection, a microphone and headphones.”
Clear and detailed Test Reports
Linguaskill results are presented in an easy-to-understand Test Report showing results for each skill tested. The report also explains what each score means in terms of English language ability – where test takers have performed well and where they can improve. Students’ Linguaskill results can also be compared to international standards. “The Test Report is very clear and easy to understand,” says Claudia. “Test scores are aligned to the Common European Framework of Reference, the international standard for describing language skills.” Claudia concludes: “I’d recommend Linguaskill for many reasons: it’s reliable, fast and very easy to administer. Working with Cambridge means collaborating with the most serious provider of English language assessment.”
At a glance
Institution: University of Bari Aldo Moro
Location: Bari, Italy
How the test is used: For admission, graduation and for outgoing Erasmus students; for staff career progression
About the University of Bari Aldo Moro
The University of Bari Aldo Moro was founded in 1925 and is named after one of its most famous students, the statesman Aldo Moro. Around 60,000 undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate students are enrolled at the university, across the Bari, Brindisi and Taranto campuses. Aside from teaching, the university also focuses on scientific research at the doctorate level. The University Language Centre was formally established in 2000 and is a member of the Italian Association of University Linguistic Centres (AICLU).
uniba.it
About Linguaskill
Linguaskill is a quick and convenient online test to help higher education institutions and employers check the English levels of individuals and groups of candidates. Supported by artificial intelligence technology, it provides fast, accurate results and clear individual and group reports. Results are aligned to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), the international standard for describing language ability.
cambridgeenglish.org/Linguaskill
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