Short-term Impact of Reflective Practices on Language Assessment Literacy Among Iranian EFL Teachers: A Mixed-Methods Study

Subject Areas :

Mozhdeh Sultan Eshagh ^{1 *} , عزیزه چالاک ² , حسین حیدری تبریزی ³

1 - English Department, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
2 - English Department, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
3 - English Department, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran

Received: 2024-08-03 Accepted : 2024-09-15 Published : 2024-06-29

Keywords: Reflective practices, language assessment literacy, English as a Foreign Language (EFL), professional development, mixed-methods design, Iranian education, cognitive dimensions,

Abstract :

This study investigates the immediate impact of reflective practices on the language assessment literacy of Iranian English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers. Combining quantitative assessment literacy measures with qualitative analysis of reflective practices, the research draws on the theoretical frameworks of Alderson, Fulcher, and Schön. Empirical insights from Akbari, Farrokhi, Shahnazari, and Karami and Rahimi provide a contextual backdrop within the Iranian EFL educational context. Using a mixed-methods design involving 50 EFL teachers, the study employs adapted assessment literacy measurement tools and reflective practices assessment tools. The results, analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics, paired t-tests, and qualitative exploration, highlight improvements in specific areas such as choosing appropriate assessment methods and using results for decision-making. Implications point towards integrating reflective practices into professional development, while future research avenues include exploring long-term effects, contextual variations, and technology integration.Implications point towards integrating reflective practices into professional development, while future research avenues include exploring long-term effects, contextual variations, and technology integration.This study investigates the immediate impact of reflective practices on the language assessment literacy of Iranian English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers. Combining quantitative assessment literacy measures with qualitative analysis of reflective practices, the research draws on the theoretical frameworks of Alderson, Fulcher, and Schön. Empirical insights from Akbari, Farrokhi, Shahnazari, and Karami and Rahimi provide a contextual backdrop within the Iranian EFL educational context. 

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