ITSC offers a unique opportunity for researchers interested in contributing to the enhancement of our testing products through innovative research. We believe in the power of research to drive product improvements and are eager to support ambitious projects in the field of language assessment that align with this vision.
Purpose
The primary purpose of ITSC research grants is to partner with external researchers to explore new approaches to evaluating and enhancing our products.
| Emerging Researcher Grant Program |
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The Emerging Researcher Grant Program is specifically designed for graduate students who are currently engaged in studies related to language assessment. We encourage you to apply if you are seeking funding and support to propel your research forward and build a name for yourself in the field of language assessment. This program is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the evolving landscape of language learning while being compensated for your academic endeavors.
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| Established Researcher Grant Program |
| We invite experienced professionals employed at institutions of higher learning with specialties in language assessment and related fields to apply for our Established Researcher Grant Program. This program allows us to establish partnerships with seasoned experts who can contribute valuable insight to our ongoing projects. If you have a significant track record in the field and are looking to impact the future of language education on a global scale, come join us. |
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Potential Areas of Research
01.
Validity and Reliability of Current ITSC Products
02.
Challenges in Test Development and Validation: Exploring methodologies and best practices in the creation and evaluation of assessments to ensure reliability and validity
03.
Best Practices for Test Preparation: Investigating effective strategies and resources that aid learners in preparing for assessments
04.
Consequences of Proficiency Testing: Examining the effects on individuals and systems that result from the use of assessments
05.
Technological Innovations in Testing: Studying the integration and impact of technology in the creation, administration, and scoring of tests
06.
Effectiveness of Different Assessment Formats: Comparative analysis of oral, written, and integrated assessments in measuring language proficiency
07.
Adaptive Testing Methods: Researching ways to implement dynamic testing components that respond to test takers' responses, challenging the depth and breadth of test-taker proficiency and improving score accuracy
08.
Cultural and Linguistic Appropriateness: Investigating how assessments can be designed to be culturally and linguistically inclusive, reducing biases that may affect test takers from diverse backgrounds
09.
Psychometric Techniques in New Test Formats: Exploring advanced statistical methods and theories in the development of innovative testing formats
10.
Artificial Intelligence in Assessment: Studying the applications of AI for automating test creation, administration, and scoring, as well as its ethical implications
11.
Language Proficiency and Academic Achievement: Analyzing the relationship between language proficiency and academic success in various educational contexts
12.
Cross-Linguistic Influence on Assessment: Investigating how a learner’s first language knowledge influences their performance on second language assessments
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Step 1: Submission of Proposal
Interested researchers submit a detailed research proposal outlining their research objectives, theoretical framework, methodology, implications, timeline, and budget. You can access the proposal submission materials here.
Step 2: Review Process
Proposals are reviewed by our internal review board.
Step 3: Notification
Applicants are notified of the proposal’s acceptance or rejection. Accepted applicants will be provided with details of the grant amount offered and of any requested adjustments to the proposal.
Step 4: Research Phase
Proposed studies are carried out within the agreed-upon timeframe.
Step 5: Reporting
Periodic status updates and a final report are provided to ITSC.
Step 6: Write-up and Dissemination
Manuscripts are submitted for consideration to a peer-reviewed journal and for presentation at a relevant conference.
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Each selected Emerging Researcher will receive a grant of up to $5,000, depending on the scope and needs of the research. Projects led by Established Researchers may receive grants of up to $20,000.
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To qualify for the Emerging Researcher’s Grant Program, applicants should be currently enrolled in a graduate program and should be either master's or PhD students at an institution of higher learning and obtaining a degree in a discipline closely related to language learning, teaching, or assessment.
To qualify for the Established Researcher’s Grant Program, applicants should be faculty at an institution of higher learning with prior publications and a specialty in a field related to language assessment.
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Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
Relevance and significance to product evaluation and development
Clarity and feasibility of research objectives and methodology
Qualifications and experience of applicant(s)
Project proposals are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis.
