Talking ELT

English proficiency testing is changing, and fast. In this special episode of Talking ELT, Sara Pierson OBE and Anthony Green unpack what the future holds for English proficiency testing, drawing on insights from a new white paper created in partnership with Times Higher Education.
The conversation explores integrated skills, the ‘authenticity gap’, hybrid assessment models and the growing impact of AI, alongside what universities really need from language tests. Grounded in decades of assessment experience, this episode offers a human-centred view of how English testing can better prepare learners for higher education.
Download the full white paper here: https://oxelt.gl/4eWHS7b 

What is emergent language, and why is it becoming increasingly relevant to the ELT classroom?
In this special episode of Talking ELT, emergent language experts Danny Norrington-Davis and Richard Chinn join Andrew Dilger and Ed Dudley to explain the concept and how these moments of spontaneous, unplanned language that appear organically in the classroom often lead to some of the most powerful learning opportunities.
The conversation explores what emergent language is, how it differs from target language, and its connection to the Dogme movement in ELT. It also looks at why these moments matter for engagement and motivation, and shares examples from real lessons along with practical ways to make the most of them.
Whether this concept is new or familiar, this episode offers fresh insights and ideas to deepen understanding of how language learning really happens.

How can assessment be used to support learning, not just measure it?
This final episode of our series on the impact of assessment on teaching and learning explores alternative assessment methods like portfolios, peer feedback, and gamification — and how AI is reshaping the future of feedback and test design.
Jo Szoke and Nate Owen also tackle ethical concerns and the importance of keeping humans in the loop.

Can reforming exams lead to better teaching and learning?
In the third episode of this series, we explore the institutional and policy-level impact of assessment. From integrated skills testing to equity and standardization, Nate Owen and Jo Szoke discuss how assessment design can influence national education systems, and why teacher buy-in is essential for lasting change.

What does assessment literacy really mean for teachers?
Episode 2 in our series on the impact of assessment on teaching and learning focuses on the classroom with Jo Szoke and Nate Owen exploring how teachers can design assessments that support learning.
We discuss reliability, fairness, rubrics, and how to balance exam preparation with communicative language teaching — plus tips for managing student expectations and motivation.

What is the real impact of assessment on learning?
In this opening episode of our series exploring the dynamic relationship between assessment and learning in English Language Teaching, host Ben is joined by ELT Assessment experts Jo Szoke and Nate Owen to explore the concept of washback, the influence of tests on teaching, and how it can be both positive and negative.
Nate and Jo share personal stories, classroom experiences, and research insights to help us rethink how assessment can support motivation and progress.