12-02, 15:15–15:30 (Europe/Berlin), Stage 1, Leibniz-Saal, BBAW
For many international students the digital TestDaF constitutes the starting point on their student journey. The digital format allows for flexible test dates and fast availability of results, thereby facilitating student mobility. With its competency-based approach to language testing the TestDaF does not only certify the language competence required to study at a German university, but also contributes to applicants’ linguistic preparation.
The session will provide a brief overview of the concept and test format of the digital TestDaF, focussing in particular on the linguistic competencies that are required for successful written and spoken communication in a university setting. The presentation will first outline the advantages of a digital format for a high stakes language test, such as the digital TestDaF, as well as explain the concept underlying the format of the digital TestDaF. The session will then show how relevant linguistic competencies are operationalised in individual test tasks, using a selection of sample tasks from the test. The aim of the session is to demonstrate how the digital TestDaF can offer a valuable contribution to the learning and testing resources offered to users of the Digital Campus platform.
Dr Anja Peters studied English, German and American Studies in Frankfurt, Southampton und Minneapolis. After completing her PhD, she worked as lecturer at several universities in the U.K. She joined g.a.s.t. in March 2018 in the role of expert for language testing. Currently, she is responsible for the reading and writing sections of the paper-based TestDaF, the development of preparation materials for the digital TestDaF as well as running training workshops on topics related to test development and rating.
Sonja Zimmermann is the Head of Product Development with a focus on testing at g.a.s.t. She has over 15 years of experience in language testing and assessment, mainly for productive skills. Before joining g.a.s.t., Sonja worked as a lecturer for the German Academic Exchange Service in the Russian Federation. She recently finished her PhD on integrated writing assessment at the University of Bremen, Germany.