Experts in Language Assessment

Cambridge ESOL Funded Research Programme – round 2

University of Cambridge ESOL is making grant funding of up to £45,000 available for small, medium and large scale research projects to be conducted during 2011.

The launch of the Cambridge ESOL Funded Research Program is part of the continuing celebrations of Cambridge Assessment's 150th anniversary in 2008. Educational institutions and qualified researchers are invited to submit research proposals on topics related to the following Cambridge ESOL 'General English' examinations:

Research topics of interest:

Applications that address the following areas are particularly encouraged:

Test validation issues:

  • Investigation of the cognitive processes of test takers in one or more of the General English exams
  • Investigation of Writing, Speaking, Listening or Reading features that distinguish General English exams at adjacent proficiency levels, including investigation of the impact of different first languages on transition between proficiency levels

Issues relating to contexts of test use:

  • Studies to establish appropriate CAE and or CPE score levels on specific contexts (for access to a university department or vocational training course)
  • Studies investigating the use of one of the General English exams in local contexts, especially in-depth case studies focussing on individuals or small groups
  • Investigation of General English exams’ usefulness compared to other tests in similar contexts

Issues of test impact:

  • Investigations of perceptions towards General English exams among test takers, teachers, learners and others engaged in preparing for those exams (particularly in countries where there has been little or no previous General English related research)
  • Test impact relating case studies in local contexts (e.g., teachers' experiences of working with General English exams)
  • Case studies on English language progressions among overseas students in undergraduate contexts
  • Case studies on English programmes with consideration of the relationship between hours of study and typical score gains

Consideration will also be given to other issues of current interest in relation to General English examinations in terms of 'assessing students with disabilities' and 'formative assessment' and the 'impact of delivery mode on test performance', i.e. computer-based, online and paper based.

Level and Duration of Funding:

Individual proposals will receive funding for small (£2,000), medium (£5,000 – £10, 000) and large scale (£15,000) projects including institutional overheads. Project duration is for one year.

Schedule for round 2

April 2010 Call for submissions
15 November 2010 Deadline for proposals to be submitted
December 2010 Proposals reviewed by ESOL FRP Board
January 2011 Successful applicants notified
30 July 2011 Interim reports due
30 January 2012 Final report due

Application for Submission of Proposals:

The Application form and Proposal format are available to download. We recommend you read the guidelines for submission before sending in your proposal.

All applications should be sent in electronic format to the Research and Validation Division, Cambridge ESOL: validation@cambridgeesol.org

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